The opening round of the 2020-21 AB🗹B Form𒐪ula E world championship has been expanded into a double-header event as part of changes to the calendar.

Santiago was already slated to hold Fo𝓀rmula 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 raℱces of the season - have been postponed amid increasing lockdowns 🏅and enhanced travel restrictions 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 Sport Council, with the Saudi Arabia double-header on February 26 and 27 marking rounds three and four of season seven.

Formula E said it expects to co💎nfirm the next set of races in “early 2021”.

“We are focused on racing in as many of our international host cities as possible, stic🧸king 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 Formula E community of teams, manufacturers, pa♔rtners, drivers and fans, as🧸 well as the citizens and residents of the cities in which we race.”

Formula E al🅠so 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.