The new Balatonring replaces Shanghai on the provisional 2009 MotoGP calendar; Donington Park remains despite concerns over building work.

The provisional calendar for the 2009 MotoGP has been revealed with a few minor changes, the most significant being that China has been dropped in favour of new race in Hungary.

With this week's announcement that a proposal had been submitted for the championship to return to Eastern Europe for a round at the new Balatonring, it was expected that one round would be dropped to make way for it.

As such, the Chinese Grand Prix, held at the Shanghai International Circuit, has been removed after hosting just four races since 2005.

It means MotoGP retains an 18 race calendar, with the season kicking off at the Losail circuit in Qatar with what will be another night race after the success of this year's event. However, while this year's season started in early March, the first round will be taking place in April this time.

While most of the changes have been kept to a minimum, Japan and Portugal have nonetheless been moved on the calendar, with the Motegi round shifted from its September date this year to become the 2009 season's second round in April. The Portuguese round at Estoril goes the other way, moving from April to October.

The rest of the order retains a similar look, while the Ricardo Tormo Valencia circuit continues to host the traditional finale.

Significantly for British fans, Donington Park will continue to host the British Grand Prix in 2009. Although there little doubt that the circuit would retain its place next year at least, there were concerns it could be disrupted by the planned building work ahead of its hosting of the Formula 1 British Grand Prix in 2010. It will take place later than this year though on July 26th.

2009 Provisional MotoGP Calendar

April 12th - Qatar, Losail (Evening Race)

April 16th - Japan, Motegi

May 3rd - Spain, Jerez

May 17th - France, Le Mans

May 31st - Italy, Mugello

June 14th - Catalunya, Catalunya

June 27th - Netherlands, Assen (Saturday Race)

July 5th - United States, Laguna Seca (MotoGP Class only)

July 19th - Germany, Sachsenring

July 26th - Great Britain, Donington Park

August 16th - Czech Republic, Brno

August 30th - Indianapolis, Indianapolis

September 13th - San Marino, Misano

September 20th - Hungary, Balaton

October 4th - Portugal, Estoril

October 18th - Australia, Phillip Island

October 25th, Malaysia, Sepang

November 8th - Valencia, Ricardo Tormo Valencia