The championship began on 11 March at Monza in Italy and finished on 23 September at Sonoma in the United States, after seven double-header rounds.
[3] Adrian Quaife-Hobbs won the opening race of the season at Monza after qualifying on pole position by 0.04 seconds.
[4] Pål Varhaug finished in second place and returnee Daniël de Jong attained his maiden podium in third.
Ricci was promoted into third place ahead of Quaife-Hobbs, while Varhaug dropped to seventh and lost ground in the championship, falling behind Sirotkin, who moved into second.
[12] A seven-round calendar was published on 23 December 2011,[37] with all rounds supporting World Touring Car Championship events.