Tཧhe opening round of the 2020-21ౠ ABB Formula E world championship has been expanded into a double-header event as part of changes to the calendar.

Santiago was already slated to hold Formula E’s 🍨curtain-raiser on January 16, but a second race in Chile has now been 🌄added on January 17, making the first round a double-header.

Meanwhile, E-Prixs in Mexico City and Sanya - originally scheduled to be the second and fourth races 𒆙of the season - have been postponed amid increasing lockdowns and enhanced travel res🔯trictions being imposed globally due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A statement released by Formula E on Wednesday confirmed the changes, all of which are subject to approval of the FIA World Motor Spor🌠t Council, with the Saudi Arabia double-header on February 26 and 27 marking rounds th൲ree and four of season seven.

Formula E said it eℱxpects to confirm the 🐓next set of races in “early 2021”.

“W🐈e are focused on racing in as many of our intꦺernational host cities as possible, sticking as closely to our planned and previously announced calendar as we can,” Formula E said in its announcement.

“In all decision-making we prioritise the health and safety of our staff and the entire F🐷ormula E community of teams, manufacturers, partners, drivers and fans, as well as the citizens and residents of the cities in which we race.”

Formula E also confirmed that the opening double-🍌header in the Chilean capital will be held behind closed doors, while the championship's intention is to run the two Saudi Arabia rounds with spectators.