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F1 could start with two Bahrain races, says new boss Stefano Domenicali

Formula One could start the season with two races in Bahrain due to the COVID-19 pandemic but is still confident of putting on a record 23 rounds, chief executive Stefano Domenicali said on Thursday.

The current schedule has the Gulf kingdom opening on March 28, followed by Imola in Italy on April 18. Australia, the regular start to the season, was last month postponed to November.

Domenicali, who took over at the helm in January, told a virtual media round table that Formula One had plenty of backup options.

"Everyone was thinking this year would be easier (than last) but it is not," he said of dealing with a virus that has closed borders, sent nations into lockdown and imposed quarantine on travellers.