The Formula One season, which starts this weekend, will have 17 races, one fewer than last year, with Abu Dhabi making its debut as the season-ender while France and Canada are dropped. The following are the circuits involved. Data compiled by ALAN BALDWIN.

March 29 - AUSTRALIA (Melbourne).

Circuit length 5.303km, race distance 58 laps, total distance covered 307.574km. 2008 winner: Lewis Hamilton (Britain) McLaren.

A temporary parkland circuit, but still way better than many permanent ones in Europe. The race starts later than ever (8 a.m. Malta time) to cater for European television audiences after pressure from F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

April 5 - MALAYSIA (Sepang).

5.543km, 56 laps, 310.408km. Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) Ferrari.

The high humidity makes this a strength-sapping race for drivers.

Has followed Australia's lead in switching to later start for television reasons (11 a.m. Malta time).

April 19 - CHINA (Shanghai).

5.451km, 56 laps, 305.066km. Hamilton.

A vast state-of-the-art circuit lacking the passion and soul of older European venues.

To the north-east of Shanghai, it can seat 200,000 spectators. Has switched from mid-October date (start: 9 a.m. Malta time).

April 26 - BAHRAIN (Sakhir).

5.412km, 57 laps, 308.238km. Felipe Massa (Brazil) Ferrari.

The first of two races in the Middle East, with Abu Dhabi making its debut in November. Surrounded by desert, Sakhir is one of the most modern tracks but sand can be a problem (start: 2 p.m. Malta time).

May 10 - SPAIN (Barcelona).

4.655km, 66 laps, 307.104km. Raikkonen.

A familiar circuit to all the teams from testing.

On the calendar since 1991 but races have often been processional.

May 24 - MONACO.

3.340km, 78 laps, 260.520km. Hamilton.

The jewel in the crown and still the most glamorous race of them all, despite competition from Singapore. Qualifying is crucial due to the difficulty of overtaking in the tight and twisty streets.

June 7 - TURKEY (Istanbul Park).

5.338km, 58 laps, 309.396km. Massa.

One of three anti-clockwise circuits in the championship, the others being Interlagos in Brazil and Singapore. Likened to Spa for its fast and undulating layout, the circuit is on the Asian side of Istanbul.

June 21 - BRITAIN (Silverstone).

5.141 km, 60 laps, 308.355km. Hamilton.

This year's race is billed as a farewell to the circuit that hosted the very first championship grand prix in 1950. Donington Park has the contract for 2010. The track is one of the longest in F1.

July 12 - GERMANY (Nuerburgring).

5.148km, 60 laps, 308.863km. Hamilton (at Hockenheim).

Now alternating with Hockenheim as host of Germany's sole race.

July 26 - HUNGARY (Hungaroring, Budapest).

4.381km, 70 laps, 306.630km. Heikki Kovalainen (Finland) McLaren.

The first race behind the old Iron Curtain, still the only one in Eastern Europe. A slow track, with overtaking difficult.

August 23 - EUROPE (Valencia, Spain).

5.419km, 57 laps, 308.883km. Massa.

Made its debut in 2008 with the dullest race of the season.

Europe's second street circuit and Spain's second race.

August 30 - BELGIUM (Spa).

7.004km, 44 laps, 308.052km. Massa.

The longest and second fastest race on the calendar and one of the all-time greats, despite struggling with poor attendances and financial problems. Weather conditions are unpredictable. The left-right sweep of Eau Rouge is less awesome than it was but still a big test of bravery.

September 13 - ITALY (Monza).

5.793km, 53 laps, 306.720km. Sebastian Vettel (Germany) Toro Rosso.

The oldest and fastest race.

Set in a royal park north-east of Milan, the circuit sees speeds of more than 360kph and an average of more than 240kph per lap. No other circuit has hosted more races.

September 27 - SINGAPORE.

5.067km, 61 laps, 308.950km. Fernando Alonso (Spain) Renault.

Made a spectacular debut last year as the first night race with a circuit around the Marina Bay area. Asia's first street circuit (start: 2 p.m. Malta time).

October 4 - JAPAN (Suzuka).

5.807km, 53 laps, 307.573km. Alonso (at Fuji).

Honda-owned circuit now alternating with Toyota's Fuji track after two-year absence, high-speed Suzuka is a favourite with the drivers (start: 7 a.m. Malta time).

October 18 - BRAZIL (Interlagos, Sao Paulo).

4.309km, 71 laps, 305.909km. Massa.

Was the season-ender last year and has witnessed title decider for past four seasons. Sheer passion of the locals and the bowl-like amphitheatre make up for ramshackle facilities. Rain is always a risk (start: 6 p.m. Malta time).

November 1 - ABU DHABI (Yas Marina).

5.554km, 55 laps, 305.470km.

No race last year (start: noon Malta time).