Weekly auto agenda: Start of the Formula One season

(AFP PHOTO / BRAWN GP / HO)

Thirteen teams are now 12, the return of a motor racing legend and the debut of Virgin Racing -- the start of this F1 season is as exciting as ever. Will Michael Schumacher, the most successful driver in history, deliver for the new Mercedes GP team?

Thirteen teams are now 12, the return of a motor racing legend and the debut of Virgin Racing - the start of this F1 season is as exciting as ever. Will Michael Schumacher, the most successful driver in history, deliver for the new Mercedes GP team?

Bahrain Formula One
March 14
Sakhir, Bahrain

The first Grand Prix race of the season begins in Bahrain, with 12 teams instead of 13 thanks to the last-minute dropping of Stefan GP. Brawn GP is now Mercedes, Virgin Racing makes its debut and Michael Schumacher returns.
http://www.formula1.com/

The Allure of the Automobile exhibit
March 21 - June 20
Atlanta, Georgia, USA

This exhibition looks at the history of the car, presenting 18 of the world's rarest cars, including masterpieces by Bugatti, Duesenberg, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Ferrari. The exhibition takes place at Atlanta's High Museum of Art and runs through June 20.
http://www.high.org/

EVER Monaco 2010
March 25 - 28
Monaco

EVER Monaco highlights clean mobility solutions and new sustainable consumption patterns with the support of some multinational brand names such as Nissan, HSBC and BNP Paribas. The show hosts industry conferences on green vehicles and an eco-friendly parade on the final day.
http://www.ever-monaco.com

Bangkok International Auto Show
March 26 - April 6
Bangkok, Thailand

The Bangkok show draws over 1.6 million visitors and showcases Asian brands from growth markets such as India, Malaysia and China. Low-cost vehicles abound, and there is an adjoining motorcycle and yachting display and "Miss Motorshow" contest.
http://www.bangkok-motorshow.com/

New York International Auto Show
March 31 - April 11
New York, USA

The final large show of the US season sees the presentation of the World Car of the Year Award and a host of unveilings from US and overseas manufacturers. Over a million visitors are expected to attend the event, held at the Javits Convention Center. The public show runs from April 2.
http://www.autoshowny.com/

World Car of the Year winner announced
April 1
New York, USA

Awarded by a panel of global automotive journalists, this award is the biggest of them all. What model will succeed 2009's Volkswagen Golf VI as this year's winner?
http://www.wcoty.com/

Interior Motives China
April 21 - 22
Beijing, China

Ahead of Auto China, this conference takes a look at the future of car interiors, both nationally and internationally. Design experts will identify current and future trends, as well as handing out the student China Design Awards for the "future designers of Chinese cars."
http://china.interiormotivesconference.com/

Auto China Beijing
April 23 - May 2
Beijing, China

China is the world's largest automotive market and 2100 exhibitors are expected to visit Auto China in Beijing to display to over 680,000 visitors. The largest show in China last year was the biennial Auto Shanghai, which saw luxury unveilings from several manufacturers, a reflection of the region's growing global importance.
http://autochina.auto-fairs.com