Ecclestone looking to add even more races to F1.
Discussion
Crash.net said:
Formula One commercial chief Bernie Ecclestone has once again proposed the idea of enlarging the grand prix calendar in order to include new venues alongside the more traditional events many want to see retained.
With San Marino missing from this year's calendar, Spa returning after a year out and both Silverstone and Magny-Cours under repeated threat of the axe, Formula One is in danger of being overwhelmed by newcomers to the schedule. Bahrain, China and Turkey have already led the vanguard of purpose-built facilities bidding for inclusion in recent years, and Ecclestone makes no secret of the fact that other countries continue to bid for a spot on an already over-crowded timetable.
With Abu Dhabi and Korea already confirmed for future inclusion, and Singapore, Mexico, India and Russia known to have been in talks with Ecclestone, the calendar would have to be enlarged if more traditional - but less well-equipped - venues are not to fall by the wayside. Team bosses have traditionally opposed more than 17 races because of the extra expense and work involved, but Ecclestone has always been in favour of cutting the amount of in-season to compensate.
"F1 is very international, it's a world championship, not a championship linked to certain countries," he insisted, "When the standards are not respected, we have to go elsewhere. The more we hold races in good countries, the easier it will be for them to find sponsors. I can easily imagine adding another three races."
Ecclestone has confirmed that talks with Singaporean representatives are ongoing, while Indian race planners Vicky Chandhok and Kingfisher Airlines owner Vijay Mallya met with him at the season-opening Australian GP. According to espnstar.com, Ecclestone remains keen on a street race through New Delhi.
"We are working overtime to get the race to India and I can categorically state that it is certainly more than just a fanciful idea," Chandhok confirmed.
Adding events to the calendar would not be the only change Ecclestone envisages for the F1 of the future, with talks about potential night races in Singapore, Japan and Australia already underway, and potential changes to the scoring structure to encourage second placed drivers to make more effort in search of victory.
Street race through New Delhi? Firstly there's always a street race through New Delhi, every day of every hour. Mind you the drivers could learn a few overtaking moves from the locals, but only if they fit tiny irritating horns to their cars
And secondly considering it's one of the poorest places around how on earth would the vast majority of locals ever afford to see the race if they employ the normal method of blocking as many free views as possible like they do in Monaco. They'll al be hanging from the buildings like the do on the trains.
Edited by FourWheelDrift on Thursday 5th April 13:45
They've added 'new' city street circuits in the past and they never last. Usually because they're really mickey mouse circuits that aren't suitable for Formula 1 cars.
I think that they should stick with the established grand prix circuits which have some heritage in the sport, rather than changing them for new circuits in asia and the east.
I think that they should stick with the established grand prix circuits which have some heritage in the sport, rather than changing them for new circuits in asia and the east.
EU funding for Irish Republic roads is now rather rare - as Ireland is now too affluent to qualify for most of these infrastructure grants.
As a kid (the 1960s), I always fancied that a street race around the town of Howth would be fantastic. Now that Howth has a yacht marina, it looks even more like Monaco.
As a kid (the 1960s), I always fancied that a street race around the town of Howth would be fantastic. Now that Howth has a yacht marina, it looks even more like Monaco.
zed sump said:
more city street circuits please!!!!!!!!!! there must be a british city with remotely decent tarmac to host one...
+As far as I know (I'd love to be proven wrong), the only city that has a licence for a street race is Birmingham. Historically it harks back to the days when Mrs T was in charge, and the events were sponsored by Halfords, whose boss happened to be a certain Mr. D. Thatcher.....
There was supposed to be a (touring cars I think) event happening this weekend funnily enough, backed by the city council, but I have no idea why it didn't take place.
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