That race will debut a new set of rules by the race organizers, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, and it will see many of the world's great car makers competing with advanced hybrid prototype sports cars.

WSJ: Porsche GT3 R Hybrid; 2012 Porsche 911 S: Porsche Blasts Hybrids Into a New Stratosphere | Rumble Seat by Dan Neil

As the Big Three U.S. automakers sputter in debt, automobile makers worldwide are speeding into the Chinese market in a race to win profits in the world's fastest growing economy for cars.

CNN: China driving global auto business

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) said its world motor sport council had confirmed a 17-race calendar after meeting in Barcelona.

BBC: Imola is undergoing a much-needed revamp

The news came on the same day the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the body which governs global motorsport, confirmed the 20-race 2012 F1 calendar, which is set to be the longest in the sport's history.

CNN: U.S. GP back on as 2012 F1 calendar confirmed