China swaps with Japan in F1 calendar

China and Japan have agreed to swap the dates of their Formula One grands prix next year, the governing FIA has said.

Following an agreement between the countries' national sporting authorities, Japan's Suzuka circuit will now host the penultimate round of the season on October 8 after the Chinese race in Shanghai on October 1.

China hosted the final race of the 2005 season but Brazil is due to close the 2006 championship on October 22, subject to the approval of a new contract.

¤ Midland have added Belgian Jeffrey van Hooydonk to a growing list of drivers who will be testing with the F1 team in Spain next month. The 28-year-old had a seat fitting on Tuesday and will test in Jerez on Dec. 8. Midland have announced similar one-day tests for Italian Thomas Biagi and Germany's Markus Winkelhock but are unlikely to have a vacancy for any of them.