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FIA approves 2011 WRC calendar

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile has announced the 13-round calendar for the 2011 World Rally Championship, from which the high-profile Monte Carlo rally is absent for the third successive season.

Jordan has replaced a previously-considered Abu Dhabi rally, with the latter set to run as a candidate for inclusion in 2012.

The FIA said a 14th round could be added. This will be considered at a June meeting of its World Motor Sport Council.

Autosport.com reports that this delay is buying time for further negotiations with the Automobile Club de Monaco about the inclusion of Monte Carlo next year. Autosport's sources say that if these talks fail, Poland could step into the breach for 2011.

The calendar, as announced by the FIA yesterday, is:

Rally Sweden (10-13 February)
Rally Mexico (3-6 March)
Rally Portugal (24-27 March)
Jordan Rally (14-17 April)
Rally d'Italia (5-8 May)
Rally Argentina (26-29 May)
Acropolis Rally (16-19 June)
Rally Finland (28-31 July)
Rallye Deutschland (18-21 August)
Rally Australia (8-11 September)
Rally of France(September 29-2 October)
Catalunya Rally (20-23 October)
Rally GB (10-13 November)