Formula One is braced for its busiest campaign ever in 2006 after the FIA reserved 20 dates for next season's world championship. The schedule includes an unprecedented triple-header next June, where dates on three consecutive weekends have been set aside for grands prix.
The 2006 season will start on 12 March, although the regular curtain-raiser in Australia is uncertain.
That is because Melbourne hosts the Commonwealth Games from 15 March.
There are five other back-to-back races on the planned calendar, which finishes on 22 October.
However, the draft calendar is not certain to be enforced, with teams only obliged to race in 17 grands prix.
An 18th race is mentioned in their contracts, providing sufficient compensation is offered.
Teams agreed to a 19th race this season but for commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone to extend the calendar further, an agreement would be needed with the 10 teams.
MMIX
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