Another interesting track bites the dust
Discussion
Magny Cours was built for political reasons as payback by the president as a favour to the regional politicians. No decent hotels nearby, no airport, the infrastructure was weak and atmosphere neutral. It also lost a fortune and the French have fallen out of love with F1. Lets just hope they keep Silverstone!
FourWheelDrift said:
Magny Cours despite it's smooth surface and "interesting" track has never been a favourite because of it's location. Maybe they'll ask Bernie if they can use his Paul Ricard track instead, but only if it's the full track and not the cut down version.
They can't use Paul Ricard for the Gran Prix as it can't hold enough punters. It's only licensed for about 2500, or some small figure. There's only one spectator banking there and bugger all else. It wouldn't look good on the TV either with all the coloured sections around the track.
There's a rumour, started by Bernie, in Autosport today, that he's always wanted to hold the French GP on the street of Paris.
You pay for it Bernie, I'll go watch it!
racefan_uk said:
FourWheelDrift said:
Magny Cours despite it's smooth surface and "interesting" track has never been a favourite because of it's location. Maybe they'll ask Bernie if they can use his Paul Ricard track instead, but only if it's the full track and not the cut down version.
They can't use Paul Ricard for the Gran Prix as it can't hold enough punters. It's only licensed for about 2500, or some small figure. There's only one spectator banking there and bugger all else. It wouldn't look good on the TV either with all the coloured sections around the track.
There's a rumour, started by Bernie, in Autosport today, that he's always wanted to hold the French GP on the street of Paris.
You pay for it Bernie, I'll go watch it!
There are no (or virtually none) grandstands at Paul Ricard. They held an FIA GT race there last year wiht only invited guests in attendence and it was just wrong. The track layout is confusing as well.
France has used more separate venues for its GP than any other country.
None of the other venues used in the past are now suitable for modern F1. They are either closed or not up to scratch.
Omitted from the list mentioned above is Dijon - which was the venue for the famous Villeneuve/Arnoux wheel banging contest in 1979. Of course, that was the "Swiss" GP.
None of the other venues used in the past are now suitable for modern F1. They are either closed or not up to scratch.
Omitted from the list mentioned above is Dijon - which was the venue for the famous Villeneuve/Arnoux wheel banging contest in 1979. Of course, that was the "Swiss" GP.
Edited by Eric Mc on Friday 30th March 13:57
Might sound strange but the way current F1 cars are designed and where they can normally overtake on other circuits I think an alternative with the right spectator areas could be the Le Mans Bugatti circuit that they used in 1967. It's changed a bit since then though but I think those slow stop start corners might work now.
FourWheelDrift said:
Might sound strange but the way current F1 cars are designed and where they can normally overtake on other circuits I think an alternative with the right spectator areas could be the Le Mans Bugatti circuit that they used in 1967. It's changed a bit since then though but I think those slow stop start corners might work now.
I agree, Le Mans has the info-structure and spectator area's. Rich in motor sport history and a well set up Bugati circuit it would be a nice adition to the callander. BUT!!! If Bernie wants to change things he will. A Paris GP would suit his style but we also have to consider the fact that Europe may loose another GP to Asia. He has thretened the British GP so I doubt he'll think twice about the French. It'll all come down to Sponsorship and Politics.
now Pau - that's a circuit - well street circuit
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Pr
First race 1901 !
racefan_uk said:
They can't use Paul Ricard for the Gran Prix as it can't hold enough punters. It's only licensed for about 2500, or some small figure. There's only one spectator banking there and bugger all else. It wouldn't look good on the TV either with all the coloured sections around the track.
Do they need any punters though? Yes the circuit relies on them to pay Bernies fee, but if Bernie owns the track is there a fee to pay?
chrisgr31 said:
Do they need any punters though? Yes the circuit relies on them to pay Bernies fee, but if Bernie owns the track is there a fee to pay?
Actually rather curiously I think he'd have to pay a fee to himself to host the race at his own track (or whoever owns the F1 rights these days, some bank probably).
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