FIA approves Champ Car schedule

The FIA has given its approval of the small 14-race Champ Car World Series calendar for 2008. The World Motor Sport Council on Friday approved the 14 race schedule which will include a new race in Jerez, Spain while two other races in Zolder, Belgium and Assen, Holland return for a second year.

Last year, Champ Car officials were forced to cancel the inaugural race in China after FIA denied a request for a date change for the event at the Zhuhai circuit. Formula One Management objected to the proposed October date, claiming it was too close to the previously scheduled Chinese Grand Prix F1 race. When the 2008 schedule was unveiled last month, Champ Car president and CEO Steve Johnson said he didn't anticipate any issues with FIA approval.

"We maybe learned a lesson from the past," said Johnson. "The critical thing is we have abided by all of the rules of the FIA and the calendar works with them, it works with us." The 2008 Champ Car season kicks off April 20th in Long Beach.