The Formula One calendar for 2012 has been approved unchanged after a World Motor Sports Council meeting on Wednesday.
US and Bahrain GPs remain included after WMSC meeting
The Formula One calendar for 2012 has been approved unchanged after a World Motor Sports Council meeting on Wednesday.
There had been doubts over where the provisional calendar would be ratified due to a number of issues but the final 20-race schedule shows no changes.
F1's return to the United States, planned to be in Austin in November, had looked unlikely following a contract dispute but the race retains its place on the calendar.
Doubts had also been raised over the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was cancelled in 2011 due to civil unrest, but that event is also present.
The dates of the six back-to-back races also remain unchanged despite teams voicing concerns over logistical issues.
"The 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar was confirmed as previously published," the FIA said in a statement.
Red McCombs, a founding partner of the Circuit of the Americas in Austin that is due to host the Amercian race, also gave reason for renewed optimism after confirming that F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone had been paid the fee required to stage the race.
McCombs said: "Mr Ecclestone received his cheque today. We want to thank the fans supporting us, the local officials and businesses that have encouraged us, the State of Texas, Circuit of the Americas' staff and Bernie himself."
The 2012 season begins with the Australian Grand Prix on March 18 and reaches its conclusion in Brazil on November 25. The mid-season break has been extended to five weeks.
2012 F1 calendar
Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne, March 18
Malaysian Grand Prix, Sepang International Circuit, March 25
Chinese Grand Prix, Shanghai International Circuit, April 15
Bahrain Grand Prix, Bahrain International Circuit, April 22
Spanish Grand Prix, Circuit de Catalunya, May 13
Monaco Grand Prix, Monte Carlo, May 27
Canadian Grand Prix, Montreal, June 10
European Grand Prix, Valencia, June 24
British Grand Prix, Silverstone, July 8
German Grand Prix, Hockenheim, July 22
Hungarian Grand Prix, Hungaroring, July 29
Belgian Grand Prix, Spa-Francorchamps, September 2
Italian Grand Prix, Monza, September 9
Singapore Grand Prix, Marina Bay Street Circuit, September 23
Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, October 7
Korean Grand Prix, Korean International Circuit, October 14
Indian Grand Prix, Buddh International Circuit, October 28
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, November 4
United States Grand Prix, Circuit of the Americas, November 18
Brazilian GP, Interlagos, November 25
