In my new book Pocket F1 Handbook : Guide to the 2012 Grand Prix Season you'll find a top ten list of things to look forward to in the coming year, highlighting what may be different and better from 2011, and what could make this year in Formula One stand out. As the first race draws ever nearer, over the next week, I'll select five items from that list - expanding on them and building up to the brand new F1 season. In this penultimate post, we look at a very welcome return to F1 (and I'm not talking about Kimi).

4. The US Grand Prix

It’s high time that Formula One returned to the United States, and with the new development well underway in Austin, things are looking hopeful. It’s not clear what the track is going to hold in store for drivers when they finally get there, but the recent new tracks have not been too bad in terms of entertainment. Occasionally, we’ve seen the grandstands empty, but I can’t see that being a problem in a country who have been anxiously waiting for the return of F1 for many years.

It hasn't been all good news coming out of the Austin circuit, as one of the construction workers was seriously injured in an accident at the end of February, the neighbours are getting quite irritated with all the building noises, and there has been some rainy weather

that has halted progress. However, organisers are still happy that things are moving forward. There are some fantastic updates over on The Statesman, but here are some highlights:

• Between 350 and 450 employees are working six days a week
• The medical centre now has its concrete base in place
• Walls for the media centre are going up and up
• Some roofing is being put on in the pit and paddock area
• 85% of the track excavation is complete
• Turns 14 through 17 are still to be done
• The first of three track pourings will start in April

Of all the recent additions to the F1 calendar, I think this track in Austin is the most hotly anticipated. Fans are excited for F1 to return to the US, the American fans are ready to welcome the sport back, and we all want to see an interesting circuit that provides good racing. Here's to the first of hopefully many good races in Austin!

You can find more top ten things to look forward to in 2012 in the Pocket F1 Handbook, available now on Amazon. I'll be back tomorrow with another installment as we build up to the Australian Grand Prix.