Changes to 2016 F1 calendar announced

The 2016 Formula One season is set to begin two weeks earlier than previously scheduled after an update to the provisional calendar was released by the FIA.

Australia will now host the first race of the campaign on March 20, while the Bahrain Grand Prix has been brought forward to April 3 and will precede race three in China.

A number of other races have also seen their dates altered, with the new schedule featuring a four-week mid-season break between the German GP (July 31) and the Belgian GP (August 28).

The season finale in Abu Dhabi remains slated for November 27, while a record 21 grands prix will still be held.

Updated provisional F1 calendar for 2016:

March 20 - Australia

April 3 - Bahrain

April 17 - China

May 1 - Russia

May 15 - Spain

May 29 - Monaco

June 12 - Canada

June 19 - Azerbaijan

July 3 - Austria

July 10 - Great 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 (Austin)

November 6 - Mexico

November 13 - Brazil

November 27 - Abu Dhabi