F1 returns to US for 21-race 2012 season

[June 04, 2011]  BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -- Formula One will have a Grand Prix race in the United States next year for the first time since 2007. The American race was the only addition to a record 21-race calendar for 2012.

The race will be held in Austin, Texas, on June 17, one week after the Canadian GP in Montreal. Austin agreed to a 10-year deal to host F1.

The Bahrain GP returns as the season-opener despite having to be rescheduled from March to October this year because of political protests in the Gulf Kingdom. The March 11 race begins a season that culminates with the Brazilian GP on Nov. 25.

The Korean GP was moved forward to April 22, while the Turkish GP on May 6 is still to be confirmed.

[Associated Press]

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