Formula One has announced the provisional calendar for the 2021 season with a record 23 races, a debut in Saudi Arabia but no race in Vietnam.

The season will as per tradition kick-off in Melbourne, Australia on March 21, and finish on December 5 in Abu Dhabi.

The Australian street circuit was supposed to host the curtain raiser this year, but was cancelled last minute after McLaren withdrew following a positive COVID-19 test in their ranks.

As announced last week, the city of Jeddah will host the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on November 28, a night race on a street circuit.

The host of the fourth race on April 25 is yet to be named.

A Vietnam GP in Hanoi was set to make its debut in April 2020 but among the races scrapped owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

Planning and negotiations have slowed down, and according to a BBC report the race will not take place in Vietnam next year.

Ongoing political issues in Vietnam should not make the case easier, the BBC said.

Former mayor of Hanoi and a major supporter of the grand prix Nguyen Duc Chung was arrested in August over corruption charges.

The Brazilian race on November 14 in Sao Paulo is also subject of a final contract.

Formula One expected to make a deal to take the race to Rio de Janeiro.

However, constructions of the new track haven’t even received the required government approvals.

The regular delays to present an offer made organisers turn back again to Sao Paulo but negotiations on a five-year contract are still ongoing.

If confirmed Brazil makes the comeback to the 2021 calendar after having a race cancelled due to the pandemic, along with the Netherlands, Mexico, US, Monaco, Azerbaijan, Australia, Canada, France, Singapore and Japan.

In the current season Formula One had to revise the calendar due to the pandemic and expects to finish the year with 17 races.

Australian Grand Prix organisers said they are already working with local government and health authorities on a plan to allow fan attendance.

“We’re adopting a sensible, adaptable and flexible approach, ensuring that a safe environment for fans and participants is our top priority,” CEO Andrew Westacott said.