Formula 1 prepare alternative ahead of possible calendar changes

Formula 1 are keeping their options open when it comes to filling the empty spot on the calendar, as it looks like a return to Portimao in Portugal grows unlikely with each passing day. The 2021 calendar has already undergone several changes due to the coronavirus pandemic, with the traditional season opener in Australia having been pushed back to November and China being postponed indefinitely. As a result the Bahrain Grand Prix will open the campaign, while Formula 1 will return to Imola for the second year in a row. However there is a gaping hole in the calendar after that, as no venue has been announced for the third event of the season after the cancellation of the Vietnamese Grand Prix. While a return to Portugal was high on the list of options, RacingNews365.com have learned that a second race in Bahrain is now a possibility. The plan would be to hold a second event at the Bahrain International Circuit a week after the season opener on a shorter track layout. Should the plan be put into effect, then the race in Imola would be pushed back by a week and held on April 25. As things stand the season will begin with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 28.