Last updated on .From the section MotoGP

Repsol Honda rider Casey Stoner won his second MotoGP title in 2011

The 2012 MotoGP season will begin a week earlier than originally planned after organisers tweaked the schedule.

The first race of the season will now take place at the desert circuit of Losail in Qatar on 8 April 2012.

The Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez has been confirmed for the weekend of 29 April, while races at the Sachsenring and Estoril remain subject to contract.

The British Grand Prix at Silverstone is currently scheduled to be the sixth race of the season on 17 June.

Australian Casey Stoner won the opening race of last season before going on to win the 2011 championship, his second world crown.

Revised 2012 MotoGP calendar

8 April, Qatar* - Doha/Losail

29 April, Spain - 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) - Sachsenring

15 July, Italy - Mugello

29 July, United States*** - Laguna Seca

19 August, Indianapolis - Indianapolis

26 August, Czech Republic - Brno

16 September, San Marino - Misano

30 September, Aragon - Motorland

14 October, Japan - Motegi

21 October, Malaysia - Sepang

28 October, Australia - Phillip Island

11 November, Valencia - Ricardo Tormo

* Evening Race

** Saturday Race

*** Only MotoGP class

STC (Subject to contract)