London: The Formula One calendar will be trimmed to 17 Grands Prix next year with Germany and Italy each losing one of their two races, the governing body said on Tuesday.
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) said in a statement that the calendar had been approved by its World Motor Sport Council.
While the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps returns after being cancelled this year, there were no slots for either the San Marino or European Grand Prix. This year's calendar had 18 races after a record 19 in 2005.
No circuit details were given, leaving open the question of whether Hockenheim or the Nuerburgring would host the German Grand Prix.
The Nuerburgring has hosted the European Grand Prix in recent years but is now expected to share the German round with Hockenheim on alternate years.
Imola, the nearest circuit to Ferrari's Maranello headquarters, has hosted the San Marino Grand Prix and is sure to disappear from the calendar with Monza the traditional home of the Italian race.
Japanese hopes that Suzuka, a Honda circuit, might be retained after this year's Japanese Grand Prix appear to have come to nothing.
