Summer break reinstated into new version of 2016 F1 calendar

Formula 1 was set for its latest start to a season since 1988, with the Australian Grand Prix pencilled in for April 3 when the governing body approved the calendar in July.

But early on Wednesday, Australian Grand Prix organisers announced that while its race would remain the opener, its had been moved to March 20.

That has eased the pressure on an already heavily condensed schedule, which features a record 21 races with Azerbaijan joining the fray and Germany returning after a year out.

Seven races have had a change of date from the previous version, with the calendar being rubber-stamped following a World Motor Sport Council meeting in Paris.

China has swapped places with Bahrain, with the season-opening Australian GP now two weeks ahead of the second round.

There are six back-to-back races - Canada/Europe (Baku), Austria/Britain, Hungary/Germany, Belgium/Italy, Malaysia/Japan and Mexico/Brazil.

Hungary has been brought forward into July to allow for a three-week break in August, something the teams requested to allow their staff to have a mid-season break.

Meanwhile, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone's proposed triple-header of grands prix in the Far East - Singapore, Japan and Malaysia - has been avoided.

The British Grand Prix has been pushed into July, meaning it will now clash with Wimbledon singles' final weekend.

Azerbaijan's debut race has been moved from July 17 to June 19 which means it clashes with the Le Mans 24 Hours.

However, the FIA says the start time for the Baku race will be "scheduled to avoid conflict" with the conclusion of the legendary French endurance event.

APPROVED 2016 CALENDAR:

March 20 - Australia
April 3 - Bahrain
April 17 - China
May 1 - Russia
May 15 - Spain
May 29 - Monaco
June 12 - Canada
June 19 - Europe (Baku)
July 3 - Austria
July 10 - Britain
July 24 - Hungary
July 31 - Germany
August 28 - Belgium
September 4 - Italy
September 18 - Singapore
October 2 - Malaysia
October 9 - Japan
October 23 - USA
November 6 - Mexico
November 13 - Brazil
November 27 - Abu Dhabi