To avoid a clash of coverage times with the 2009 Bahrain Grand Prix, the season opener traditionally held at Hockenheim took place on 17 May, three weeks later than originally planned. Consequently, the EuroSpeedway round that had been scheduled for this date was moved to 31 May. The Brands Hatch round was also moved back a week due to the 2009 Belgian Grand Prix, from 30 August to 6 September.