An article in the Independent today suggested that Bernie Ecclestone wanted to have races in Mexico and South Africa. With races in the USA and Russia confirmed, and speculation that Argentina and France will join the calendar also, as well as Austria, we could see F1 have: a) more races in the calendar, (up to 24, 25?) and b) more 'traditional' races back - at the expense of other, more modern races (Turkey's already gone, Bahrain next?) There is also speculation that a race in Spain will go, probably Catalunya. I personally would love to have South Africa back on the calendar, then f1 would be a truly global sport. And a good Bernie quote: "Greece are also trying to do a Formula One race. The Germans will lend them some money".
Is Mexico South Africa, USA, Russia, Austria and France on, Turkey, Catalunya or, and Valencia gone it would be a 23 race calendar right? and that is certinaly possible!
Turkey GONE Incoming 2014 - Russia agreed Pre existing contract - Rome ??? What happened to it Circuit sharing - German GP - Hockenheim and Nurburgring Spain GP possibly - Valencia and Barcelona Belgium GP - SPa would be happy to share with France GP as the circuit is privately owned Others Hungary GP - gives BErnie a lot of money but may need to make way Monaco GP - the crown jewel that will stay British GP - Silverstone has the best contract tied for 17 years or so Australia GP - Under threat China GP - was rumoured to give up as it operates at a loss Japan GP - Suzuka - unlikely to make way given Honda have got sole ownership of race after Toyota with Fuji left Bahrain GP- Bernie will give them second life becuase of the money Abu Dhabi GP - ala Bahrain MONEY MONEY MONEY and do not want to be undone Canada GP - may give way now the US GP will be back Brazil GP - won't be dropped given Senna is competing Teams have expressed saying 20 races is significantly enough and more races added will mean less testing and potentially the F1 championship running for the whole 12 months !!
They dropped the proposal to focus on the 2020 olympics. And seeing as Bernie said that there was going to be only 1 race per country, I'd rather have Monza than Rome. I know what I'd want, an extra GP instead of testing!!! And with a few back-to-backs, and only one break of about 3 weeks, we can easily fit it in 10 months.
It's a good point that a number of the venues on the current calendar - perhaps as many as half - are looking to either cut their hosting fees or do not intend/will not be able to renew at the expiry of their current deals. So it's a good time for Bernie to reassure...whomever...that the money is going to keep rolling in regardless. Whoever or whatever is in charge by 2015-16...
Hmm for F1 to be a truly global sport it needs to take place on every continent and currently Africa and Antartica are missing, now the second one I'm not too bothered about but eventually (next 10 years) I think we'll see a return to Africa. However other than South Africa what other country has the money for one?
I think this getting quite ridiculous, yes tracks around the globe are needed, but not the same type of track on the same continent. I can see the calendar go past 20 races after this Concorde agreement ending, a race every weekend may just ruin the sport and the championship.
U.S is replacing Turkey next year Russia will replace Barcelona the year after(will anyone miss that one?). As for all the others - we'll see. Bernie makes sure theres an article every other week about a new Grand Prix somewhere so that all the others feel under pressure and don't haggle with him too hard over the fees he's asking for. As proven with GB there are certain countries Bernie will not let slip off the calender. I'm sure he'd have 2 races in the U.S if he could and if Perez comes good I'm sure one will sprout up in Mexico but I woudn't worry about the tracks like Monoco, Monza, Silverstone, etc because Bernie gets 50% of everything on race day and he's not mug enough to remove the Grand Prixs from the races he gets the biggest crowds from. Which is one of the reason I think Hungry is safe - a lot of fans from Europe travel to that one and line Bernie's pockets.
Hmm, id rather keep Barcelona and ditch Valencia. I kinda like Barcelona apart from them ruining the final corner.
Sorry but Barcelona has always been snoozville to me - we've had 1 exciting race the whole time its been there. I know Valencia is worse but they won't drop that due to all the money round there
Yup, overall I agree it often has been, but we’ve had a couple of decent (ish ) races there, I think Barca has a nice flow to it and is definitely better than Valencia (tho thats not difficult). But money money money money.
Its been said before, but all they need to do is agree 10 core GPs and then we can have 20 more on a 2 year rotational basis. 20 GPs a year on 30 tracks. It would make it easier on countries like Turkey where they can't draw the audiences and funding year on year.
Probably the most realistic approach & would suit some of the tracks. I do though like the idea of a GP in Antartica though, reckon they could do like the 1000 Lakes rally and have F1 cars with studded tyres.....Massa would still find a way to spin...........
Just imagine the howls from the Tifosi........"How are we ever going to get the heat in our tires"....... As for a race in Mexico again. I support it.
My only issue with this is that for China its less about money and more about face. Letting a GP go would be a significant loss of face considering its worldwide exposure.
Any more GP's than we already have on the calendar would make it a turn off for me. At the moment it seems to be March - end of November - instead of such a long summer break why not have just a three week break instead. As otherwise F1 is gonna turn into a year round thing and become boring like Tennis and Cricket have!
