Start 2011 Abu Dhabi Grand PrixFormula 1's ruling body, the FIA, has confirmed the 2012 calendar, with no changes compared to the 20-race version unveiled in August. The calendar includes the race in Austin, Texas, despite doubts about the construction of the circuit.

Formula 1 commercial rights manager Bernie Ecclestone had extended the deadline given to the developers of the Circuit of The Americas circuit in Austin after they were unable to sort their contract issues in time (see separate story). The Bahrain Grand Prix, also in doubt because of the continued unrest in the country, is included in the 20-event schedule, too. Bahrain was withdrawn from the 2011 calendar following months of uncertainty because of the problems in the country.

The 2012 season will kick off in Australia on March 18 and will finish again in Brazil on Nov. 25.

2012 Formula 1 calendar

March 18           Australian GP
March 25           Malaysian GP
April 15           Chinese GP
April 22           Bahrain GP
May 13             Spanish GP
May 27             Monaco GP
June 10            Canada GP
June 24            European GP
July 8             British GP
July 22            German GP
July 29            Hungarian GP
September 2        Belgian GP
September 9        Italian GP
September 23       Singapore GP
October 7          Japanese GP
October 14         Korean GP
October 28         Indian GP
November 4         Abu Dhabi GP
November 18        U.S. GP (Austin)
November 25        Brazilian GP