With just 5 events remaining on the 2011 MotoGP calendar, organizers are starting to prepare for the 2012 season. The MotoGP released a preliminary calendar for the 2012 season today, which will bring the best motorcycle riders around the globe for 18 races.
The 2012 MotoGP calendar doesn't have too many surprises. In fact, it's nearly identical to the 2011 calendar with a few exceptions. For one, the MotoGP will race back-to-back races in the United States.
This year the MotoGP riders flew into California, then out to the Czech Republic, before returning to Indianapolis. That's a lot of travel over just a few weeks. In 2012, the MotoGP riders will race two consecutive races in the United States, but the rounds will be separated by the two week Summer break.
Here's the preliminary 2012 MotoGP calendar.
- 15 April, Qatar* - Doha/Losail
- 29 April, Spain (STC) - Jerez de la Frontera
- 6 May, Portugal (STC) - Estoril
- 20 May, France - Le Mans
- 3 June, Catalunya - Catalunya
- 17 June, Great Britain - Silverstone
- 30 June, Netherlands** - Assen
- 8 July, Germany (STC) - TBC
- 15 July, Italy - Mugello
- 29 July, United States*** - Laguna Seca
- 19 August, Indianapolis - Indianapolis
- 26 August, Czech Rep. - Brno
- 16 September, San Marino & Riviera di Rimini - Misano
- 30 September, Aragon - Motorland
- 14 October, Japan - Motegi
- 21 October, Malaysia - Sepang
- 28 October, Australia - Phillip Island
- 11 November, Valencia - Ricardo Tormo – Valencia
(* Evening Race / ** Saturday Race / *** Only MotoGP class / STC - Subject to the contract / TBC - To be confirmed)
