FIA releases 2017 F1 schedule; three key races slapped with provisional status

Formula 1 Grands Prix in Canada, Germany and Brazil were granted only provisional status on the 2017 schedule released on Wednesday by the FIA.

There are few surprises and no new hosts on the schedule, with June's Baku race set to clash once again with fabled Le Mans on June 18.

The United States' lone Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, is confirmed for Oct. 22.

F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone is reportedly unhappy with organizers of Montreal's popular race, and the FIA confirmed the Canadian Grand Prix's provisional status.

However, race spokesperson Sandrine Garneau-Le Bel insisted that "we aren't worried at all. It's business as usual for us. We have been working on the 2017 Grand Prix for some time. We asked for the date of June 11, and that's what we got."

Tickets for the Montreal race have yet to go on sale because of negotiations with Ecclestone.

Another uncertain race is Hockenheim in Germany, with Ecclestone said to be negotiating for semi-promotional rights to safeguard the German Grand Prix.

And even Brazil has provisional status, amid rumors it has delayed circuit upgrades that are casting doubt on the Sao Paulo race.

In a statement, organizers of the Interlagos event said they are surprised with the provisional status.

"There is a valid contract until 2020, and it will be rigorously complied with, as has always been the case in these last 45 years," Brazilian media quoted the statement as saying.

* - Provisional