Turkish Grand Prix dropped from 2012 calendar

The Turkish Grand Prix has been dropped from next year's Formula 1 calendar which has been published by the sport's governing body, the FIA.

In July, F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone handed out a schedule that omitted Turkey and it has now been ratified.

The Istanbul track has hosted a race since 2005 and though it provided good races, attendances have been poor.

Bahrain returns to the 20-race calendar after being dropped this year following civil unrest in the country.

The Middle Eastern country was originally pencilled in for late in the 2012 campaign, but the new calendar sees the round at the Sakhir circuit scheduled for 22 April.

Australia's Melbourne Park circuit will once again host the season's curtain raiser on 18 March with Brazil wrapping things up eight months later on 25 November.

The United States Grand Prix at the new purpose-built Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, has moved from June to November when conditions should be cooler.

Earlier this month, Indian motor sport federation president Vicky Chandhok voiced concerns about the Indian Grand Prix's proposed 22 April date when temperatures in the region hover around the 40C mark.

"I am not happy with April because it's going to be hot," Chandhok said.

However, the race in New Delhi has now been confirmed as the 17th race on the calendar on 28 October.

2012 FORMULA 1 CALENDAR

18 March - Australia (Melbourne)

25 March - Malaysia (Sepang)

15 April - China (Shanghai)

22 April - Bahrain (Sakhir)

13 May - Spain (Barcelona)

27 May - Monaco (Monte Carlo)

10 June - Canada (Montreal)

24 June - Europe (Valencia)

8 July - Britain (Silverstone)

22 July - Germany (Hockenheim)

29 July - Hungary (Hungaroring)

2 September - Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)

9 September - Italy (Monza)

23 September - Singapore (Marina Bay)

7 October - Japan (Suzuka)

14 October - Korea (Yeongam)

28 October - India (New Delhi)

4 November - Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina)

18 November - United States (Austin)

25 November - Brazil (Interlagos)