Germany's Timo Glock returns after a three-year absence to replace Ralf Schumacher -- who left for German touring series DTM -- at Toyota.
F1 welcomes its first Indian team with Force India, which replaces Spyker.
Team owner Vijay Mallya -- a flamboyant, self-styled entrepreneur in the mold of Flavio Briatore -- is confident enough to expect drivers Adrian Sutil and Giancarlo Fisichella to be pushing for the podium by Interlagos.
Super Aguri will be the Indian team's direct rival, if the Japanese team can stay on the track amid financing problems.
Two urban races round out the 18-event calendar.
Night racing will make its debut at the Singapore GP on Sept. 28, while the European GP in Valencia joins Monaco as a second race staged on city streets.
Hockenheim will host the German GP, while the US Grand Prix is off the calendar. American driver Scott Speed joined low-level ARCA Series in the United States after being dropped by Toro Rosso.
Car changes could also affect the championship.
Each car features a standard electronic control unit, allowing FIA to ban the use of traction control, a driver aid that will expose pilots in wet conditions.
Teams will be allowed a free engine change without occurring a 10-place penalty. Engines still have to last for two races, however.
(Agencies via Shanghai Daily March 7, 2008)