F1 plans record 21 races in 2012 with return of US GP

Formula 1 has unveiled a record 21-race calendar for 2012, with the United States Grand Prix returning to the schedule for the first time since 2007.

Austin in Texas - which has agreed a 10-year deal - will host the race on 17 June, one week after the Canadian GP.

The Bahrain GP returns as the season-opener, despite being rescheduled from March to October this year  due to political protests in the Gulf Kingdom.

The much criticised Turkish Grand Prix is provisionally included on 6 May.

Its future has been called into doubt because it has struggled to win over local fans in recent years and attendances have been low.

The Korean GP - which made its debut last year - was moved forward from its normal October slot to April 22, while the season culminates with the Brazilian GP on 25 November.

Motor sport's world governing body, the FIA, decides the calendar, which reached 20 races for the first time this year.

FORMULA 1 CALENDAR FOR 2012 IN FULL

11 March - Bahrain (Sakhir)

18 March - Australia (Albert Park, Melbourne)

1 April - Malaysia (Sepang)

8 April - China (Shanghai)

22 April - South Korea (Yeongam)

6 May - Turkey (Istanbul Park)*

20 May - Spain (Circuit de Catalunya, Montmelo)

27 May - Monaco

10 June - Canada (Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal)

17 June - United States (Austin, Texas)

1 July - Europe (Valencia, Spain)

15 July - Britain (Silverstone)

29 July - Germany (Hockenheim)

5 August - Hungary (Hungaroring)

2 September - Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)

9 September - Italy (Monza)

30 September - Singapore

14 October - Japan (Suzuka)

28 October - India (Greater Noida)

11 November - Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina)

25 November - Brazil (Interlagos)

* Subject to confirmation