Le Mans avoids 2012 schedule clash with F1

As grands prix go, Canada is one of the highlights of the season but it's date on the F1 calendar has often meant it clashes with Le Mans. A great weekend of motorsport, perhaps, but after 24 hours of one race, the GP can sometimes be seen as something of an afterthought.

Not for 2012, though. The Automobile Club de L'Oeust has already announced the date for next year and with F1's provisional calendar also available, the ACO has plumped for 16-17 June - an F1-free weekend.

As 2012 will also be the inaugural year of the FIA World Endurance Championship, of which Le Mans is an integral part, the organisers - and the FIA - are keen to avoid a clash with another FIA event.

The test day, which returned this year after two years' absence in an effort to cut costs, will be held on 3 June so teams will not have to dismantle their hospitality units before the race weekend.