Three ’provisional’ races on 2017 calendar

Three of the 21 grands prix scheduled for 2017 have been given only provisional status on the newly-published race calendar.

On the whole, there are few surprises and no new hosts on the schedule, with June’s Baku race set to clash once again with the fabled Le Mans.

But Bernie Ecclestone is reportedly unhappy with organisers of Montreal’s popular race, and the FIA confirmed the Canadian grand prix’s provisional status.

However, race spokesperson Sandrine Garneau-Bel insisted: "We aren’t worried at all. It’s business as usual for us.

"We have been working on the 2017 grand prix for some time. We asked for the date of June 11 and that’s what we got," La Presse quotes Garneau-Bel as saying.

However, promoter Octane did admit that tickets for the Montreal race are yet to go on sale because of "negotiations" with Ecclestone.

Another uncertain race is Hockenheim, with Ecclestone said to be negotiating for semi-promotional rights to safeguard the German grand prix.

And even Brazil has provisional status, amid rumours it is delayed circuit upgrades that are casting doubt on the Sao Paulo race.

In a statement, organisers of the Interlagos event said they are "surprised" with the provisional status.

"There is a valid contract until 2020 and it will be rigorously complied with, as has always been the case in these last 45 years," Brazilian media quoted the statement as saying.