What's on this year...

NEW CAR MOTORING & SPORTING CALENDAR 2011

THERE ARE a host of motoring events and shows, as well as new cars to command your attention in 2011. Here are our recommendations, to help you catch the best of what the year has to offer...

Those who want to witness innovation on an international stage should head to Europe's biggest and best, the 81st Geneva International Motor Show in Switzerland. Running from the 3rd to the 13th March, expect to view this year's (and the next few years) new cars, plus a host of concepts.

NEW CAR MOTORING & SPORTING CALENDAR 2011

The show's emphasis is on all things green with 'Green Test Drives' and a huge Green Pavilion, demonstrating the reality of car maker's technological ambitions.

Racing fans can look forward to the start of 2011's F1 season with cars (and egos) colliding at the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. This runs from March 11-13.

Major new car launches in March 2011 include the all-new Ford Focus. The all-electric Nissan Leaf will finally arrive in showrooms to wow us with its EV credentials (release dates for EVs this year here. Those uninterested in the green argument should consider the 340bhp Audi RS3 in April instead.

THE INFINITI M35 HYBRID...

May sees Japfest return to the Castle Combe Circuit on the May 14, with Europe's biggest show dedicated to the Land of the Rising Sun. You will also witness displays of obscenely talented drifting on the track.

Tied into this, the Japanese Infiniti M35 Hybrid is launched in the same month and would make an excellent choice of transport to the festival above. This luxurious vehicle will take on the BMW 5-series, with its petrol-electric powered drivetrain. Kia also add to the Asian flavour this month, alunching the Picanto and the Rio.

Le Mans runs as usual on the 11-12 June, with (its motorbike equivalent taking place 24-25 September.

For those of us who like champagne and caviar with our car shows, purchase a ticket to the luxurious Salon Prive, from 22-24 June. Close to buyacar in Chiswick, this grand event takes place in the grounds of Syon Park near Kew Gardens. Here you?ll be able to view classic exotica, and lust after the latest supercars and plutobarges, for people who don?t live near you.

Towards the end of the month and into July will see the return of Britain's best motoring mash-up, the thoroughly brilliant Goodwood Festival of Speed (June 30th to July 3rd). The theme for this year is key events in Motor Sport history. But as ever you will also be able to enjoy the show's eclectic mix of celebrities, hill climbs and its Moving Motor Show.

July also sees the launch of the Citroen DS4 which we're hoping will be every bit as good as the cracking DS3.

The Goodwood Revival (above) runs from 16-18 September and offers an historic motor race meet and the chance to see classic cars from the 40s, 50s and 60s.

If you prefer arrivals instead of revivals, check out the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 MPV launching in the same month. This will be the world's first production diesel-electric hybrid.

October sees the Jaguar XF get a facelift. And for the family driver, note the introduction of the next generation Vauxhall Zafira MPV.

And finally, while dates have yet to be confirmed, expect the MPH Show to return towards the end of 2011 featuring its brash mix of new motors and Top Gear tomfoolery.