Bernie: No December finale in 2016

Bernie Ecclestone has allayed concerns that the 2016 Formula 1 season finale will take place in December.

The FIA has already confirmed a record 21 races for next year in a draft calendar with the season-opening Australian Grand Prix set for 3 April.

However, they are yet rubber stump the official version and it emerged in Italy over the weekend that the season could be extended until the final month of the year with Malaysia penciled in for either 4 or 11 December.

However, F1 commercial rights holder Ecclestone says the 2016 campaign will end in Abu Dhabi in November.

"I think we can escape going into December, otherwise it's getting a bit too near Christmas," he told Reuters.

The 2016 Malaysian GP was initially set for 25 September, but Ecclestone admitted they are looking for an alternative slot.

He added: "I'm going to move that a little bit," the 84-year-old said. "I don't know (where), I'm having a look now."