Future GP venues / Calendar Discussions

[Bumble1290]

Somehow I really can't see it happening, isn't the reason Canada and France where dropped because they where in arrears with their payments. I'm also guessing that end of October in Canada would be mighty cold and I mean freezing cold at that.

[Mothers Worry]

Abu Dhabi denies track building delay 

From autosport.com:

Abu Dhabi denies track building delay 

Monday, March 30th 2009, 14:45 GMT

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix officials have denied suggestions that the circuit will not be ready in time for this year's inaugural race.

Rumours emerged during the Australian Grand Prix weekend that the circuit, which will host the season finale in November, could be replaced as there were delays with the construction of the circuit.

There was also speculation about a possible management reshuffle, with suggestions that Abu Dhabi circuit chief Philippe Gurdjian could be focusing on helping with the construction of a circuit to host an F1 grand prix in Korea.

Abu Dhabi, however, has moved to quash the reports that the circuit construction has been delayed, also denying Gurdjian was leaving.

"As tickets for the inaugural Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix went on sale in Abu Dhabi this morning, Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM) confirmed that progress on the construction of Yas Marina Circuit, the host venue for the final race of the 2009 F1 season finale, is on track and there are no concerns regarding delivery deadlines," the circuit said in a statement on Monday.

"ADMM, the organization responsible for the management of the state-of-the-art Abu Dhabi based track benefits from the leadership of two experienced and talented individuals, Richard Cregan and Philippe Gurdjian.

"Gurdjian's main focus is on the development and delivery of the track whilst Cregan, formerly General Manager of Toyota's F1 Team, focuses on the growth of the team, the success of the grand prix, and ensuring that Yas Marina Circuit is a fully functioning, year round business."

[bpratt]

The talk that I was hearing was that it is still going ahead this year, as there are plans in process, but yet to be signed off on.

[Mothers Worry]

FIA to inspect Donington plans 

From autosport.com:

FIA to inspect Donington plans 

Thursday, April 9th 2009, 11:01 GMT

Donington Park is set to take another step forward in its plans to host the 2010 British Grand Prix with its track plans due to be inspected by the FIA in the next few days.

Donington Park chief executive Simon Gillett has told AUTOSPORT that he is confident the inspection would receive the necessary approval, as efforts continue on the track's redevelopment.

"We are working with the world's best," said Gillett. "When you work with the likes of Tilke [Engineering] to run your FIA submissions and track safety, you have got to say that you are betting on the right horses."

Gillett also hopes that plans for the debenture scheme which will fund the circuit's revamp, that were originally due to be unveiled in March, can be announced in the next few days.

[Everso Biggyballies]

All of which is very different to the true picture it would seem......

What are serious issues not mentioned by Gillett?:

The HSCC and MGCC events were nearly cancelled last weekend when the MSA refused to grant the track a licence due to the state of the track from the building work.

Supposedly the only work they've done is half build a tunnel and make a mess of the infield.

Luckily for those competing, the track was granted a temporary restricted licence, because of the clubbie status of the events. However,  because the tunnel isn't finished, there is NO run off area between McLeans and Coppice on either the outside OR the inside of the track and a stationary yellow flag was to be shown throughout all events.  Apparently the MSA have demanded a run off of at least 25 metres......

Drivers were told an MSA Race Steward would be watching the races very carefully...they warned that, if anyone acts stupidly in the yellow flag area, the entire DAY will be called off.  In the first race two drivers ingnored the yellow... they were told to vacate the circuit immediately and sent home.

The tunnel  has now been suggested as having been made to short, apparently to reduce costs!     Essentially this means, anyone who makes a mistake at McLeans or Coppice will be faced with a heavy impact into the tunnel wall or an earth bank.

The MSA have now withdrawn the temporary licence.


The British F3 and British GT race weekend is now cancelled and they are attempting to race at Rockingham that weekend instead.

The BTCC are also looking to move their race to Silverstone.

These are serious bread and butter race meetings.  Without a full international class Track licence they cannot be run.

Things are starting to get more serious.

Jonathan Palmer has had to cancel the Formula Palmer Audi race weekend there,
A statement from Jonathan Palmer regarding the circuit and their organisation.

MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR), the racing division of MSV, has been forced to cancel its scheduled race event at Donington Park on 18/19 April as the circuit does not possess a valid, full track licence.

Following widely publicised concerns regarding recent development work at the circuit, MSVR requested assurances from Donington that all necessary works for the venue to receive a valid track licence from the governing body of motorsport in the UK, the MSA, would be completed ahead of the MSVR 'Blast in the Park' event in nine days' time.   Mindful of the importance of competitors' planning and arrangements, Donington Park was given a deadline of 1pm today (Thursday 9 April) to address these concerns. However, MSVR received no communication from the circuit.

A spokesman for the MSA has also confirmed that they will not issue the circuit with a track licence until the circuit has been inspected and fully complies with MSA regulations. Accordingly, MSVR has been left with no alternative but to cancel the event in order to give the competitors, marshals and officials as much notice as reasonably possible.

MotorSport Vision's Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer said: "It's extremely disappointing that this remarkable situation has occurred, and that we have been forced to cancel our event at Donington Park due to the lack of a valid track licence.This has caused significant disruption to all of MSVR's competitors and series, including Formula Palmer Audi, that were due to race next weekend."

"It is quite unsatisfactory and particularly unacceptable that we have received no communication from the circuit on the matter.  We are currently in discussions with all our series and championship coordinators to arrange alternative dates and venues, and these will be confirmed at the earliest opportunity."

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In essence this means the track is unable to generate money from race weekends for the forseeable future.

... and what about the MotoGP weekend?   It may still go ahead, as the ACU hasn't withdrawn its licence for that one...yet...

But they need to get some serious work done very quickly.... and without any real income other than private testing one wonders how things will proceed in a timely basis.  These happenings are hardly going to give those they are seeking for the private investment to compete works for the GP are not being given any message to instill confidence in backing the venture.

Especially when they wont even return promoters phone calls regarding arrangements for a meeting scheduled to be run next weekend!

On a different note, The Dunlop Bridge has been removed.   The famous Spitfire and the 'Spark Plug' commentary box have disappeared.  These are not issues of any concern other than those that had believed that the heritage of the circuit might be retained.

[Everso Biggyballies]

Further to my doom and gloom prediction for Donnington above, the news gets worse.....

The ACU have now withdrawn their licence, meaning the Moto GP British GP wont be run at Donnington this year unless they get some work done on the track, and the ACU reconsider the ruling to withdraw the track licence.....

So with Jonathan Palmer's Motorsport Vision Racing weekend cancelled, British F3, British GTs, BTCC and all motorcycling events for the near future cancelled, how much money are Donington going to lose over this one?

I can see the circuit going into administration if this carries on.  The bottom line is that they now have no race income, and in effect no method of funding the circuit upgrades to even get back to having a circuit capable of obtaining a basic track licence to allow hosting domestic races let alone International status events.

It was only two months ago that they were guaranteeing no loss of any racing this year due to the renovations, as all the major trackwork would be completed well before the season started.  Could not be further from the truth.

[Everso Biggyballies]

Just what we dont need at the moment.  Just as we start to read of Donnington having potential problems in its race preparations for the 2010 British GP, failure to meet Bernie deadlines as we have been told will result in the loss of the GP to another venue, it seems that Korea is ready to jump in, although apparently they already have a contracted place in the 2010 calendar.

South Korea begins F1 track construction

Preparing for its 2010 Grand Prix
F1live.com
Construction has begun on the site of the Korean International Circuit in South Korea's South Jeolla province as the endeavour gets under way to host the country's first Formula One race in October 2010.

At 5.6 kilometres in length, including a 1100-metre straight, the track promises to be the longest in Asia.

Situated over 350 kilometres southwest of Seoul, the venue's plans show enough space for 135,000 spectators, of which 120,000 will have access to grandstand seats. The Hermann Tilke-designed circuit, featuring a harbourside portion with grandstands facing the pitlane and the ocean, will be run counterclockwise.

The semi-permanent track is a joint venture between private and public organisations; the Korean Grand Prix has a seven-year contract running from 2010 to 2016 with a renewable option.

The venue's promoter, Korea Auto Valley Operation (KAVO), expects that the construction work should be completed by mid-summer next year, allowing for a four-month gap before the Korean Grand Prix debut.

[SchueyFan]

Korea has had a contract for quite a few years now.

but yes, there will definitely be a bit of a squeeze to fit all the new and returning events in the next few years.


The first to go should be one of the Spanish races, i would choose Barcelona, or put them on rotation. If they want to capitalise on the popularity of F1 in that region at the moment, replace it with Algarve - from all reports it seems to be a fantastic circuit, and i am looking forward to seeing the A1s there this weekend.

[Bumble1290]

The first to go should be one of the Spanish races, i would choose Barcelona, or put them on rotation. If they want to capitalise on the popularity of F1 in that region at the moment, replace it with Algarve - from all reports it seems to be a fantastic circuit, and i am looking forward to seeing the A1s there this weekend.

Both tracks are shockers and produced zero excitment for the spectator last season. Barcelona might prove a little more entertaining with the new rules, I hold no faith in Valencia and I don't think anyone in F1 does either

Bad news about Donnington, looks like phase two of Bernies plan has kicked in to action and it will not be long before the British GP (whatever track) is no more.

[Mothers Worry]

Another Tilke designed track and another race in either the Middle East or Asia. Great.

Funny how the promoters and Tilke can't get a European Circuit (Donnington) to work but the guy gets a contract to design another circuit in Korea. I believe it was Brundle who commented on the "similarities" in some of the Tilke designs during the Melbourne GP.

How similar do circuits need to be before the whole sport has become sterile and lacking in variety to the point of boredom?

[Oldtony]

With the rise of FOTA, and the increasing attention given to guys like Legault, the former head of the Montreal GP bid, one wonders how much all these fancy contracts that countries and cities have with FOM are worth long term.
Maybe it's time for Ron Walker, or whoever is going to replace him, to build up a few direct contacts with FOTA.
By the way, left field suggestion, how about Legault as replacement for Max?  No direct team links, fluent French as well as English, from N America, knows where some of the bodies are buried and has organisation experience!

[Everso Biggyballies]

Bernie is the one whose wheels have really fallen off of late.... Im more worried about his destruction of the F1 calendar to a bunch of lame tracks with fabulous facilities no one can be bothered to use because they are in countries with wealth corruption and few fans. I want to see someone running the calendar who has some integrity and sense of heritage balanced in with credentials that go beyond going round replacing traditional circuits and events with ying, yang, oil,  sand, $$$, and a fad interest in F1 that will wane with the political cycle and rich princes looking for new toys to throw out of their prams..

[Mothers Worry]

By the way, left field suggestion, how about Legault as replacement for Max?  No direct team links, fluent French as well as English, from N America, knows where some of the bodies are buried and has organisation experience!

Soudns like a good suggestion to me OT.

EB as for Ecclestone destroying the heritage of F1 and denying fans those classic circuits (can I say the "spirit" of racing?) remember how thrilling it is to watch an F1 car, glued to the track by down force attacking a high speed chicane?

I hope you can because that's all it will be; a memory.

Here's Tilke's "formula" for F1 which that prick Ecclestone is more than willing to buy into for the sake of profit:

Fast main straight leading into low speed constant radius corner followed by a short chute leading into a medium speed double apex corner then a fast and long back straight etc. Multiply that by every track on the calendar.

It's great for the cameras which is what Feccletone controls but that's about it in  my opinion. I'm not saying TV coverage doesn't count but when it's in the hands of one dwarf who cares nothing for sport or safety and only profit; the rest writes itself.

[Everso Biggyballies]

A bit more about Donnington:  Apparently there are two rounds of F3 this year at Donnington, and the F3 brigade, keen to run at Donnington have not yet cancelled their 2 nd race there, basically giving Donnington time to get their stuff together, yet still give the F3 organisers time to move if need be and no licence is issued.

I have found some pics  showing the problem with the tunnel, and you can understand  my comment re it being too short.  This is on the exit to McLeans, and the walls protecting the tunnel are at best intrusive and certainly a safety issue, particularly with motor bikes.  A longer and obviously more expensive tunnel would have rendered the wall uneccessary.  Hardly rocket science, and a cost cutting move that is likely to cost them a lot more than a longer tunnel would have.

click for larger

[bpratt]

I have found some pics  showing the problem with the tunnel, and you can understand  my comment re it being too short.  This is on the exit to McLeans, and the walls protecting the tunnel are at best intrusive and certainly a safety issue, particularly with motor bikes.  A longer and obviously more expensive tunnel would have rendered the wall uneccessary.  Hardly rocket science, and a cost cutting move that is likely to cost them a lot more than a longer tunnel would have.

click for larger

Oh  my  god !!!!

Where the kitty litter finishes near the tunnel is the closest the open top of the tunnel should have been to the track, not where it is right up near the edge of the track.


How on earth did they think that any sanctioning body would let them keep the track licence with such a unsafe situation existing like this ?

[Mad Maper 13]

[ Conspiracy theory warning ]
Tilke knew it would not be allowed and did it on purpose under bernie's say so for him to say "unfortunate circumstances has prevented the 2010 British GP to go ahead"

[Mothers Worry]

[ Conspiracy theory warning ]
Tilke knew it would not be allowed and did it on purpose under bernie's say so for him to say "unfortunate circumstances has prevented the 2010 British GP to go ahead"

I will buy into your theory.

[Bumble1290]

Looks like there might have been more backlash in relation to GP's in North America than Bernie first anticipated, he's now keen to get Canada back on the calendar. He is also now touting New York as another possible venue in the States. I wonder is he going to want to race around the streets here as we all know he loves GP's with beautiful backdrops, doesn't matter about the GP as long as the scenery is A1.

http://www.planet-f1.com/story/0,18954,3213_5182303,00.html

Bernie sets his sights on Canada and New York
Monday 13th April 2009
 
The Canadian GP could make a return to F1 in the not-too-distant future after Bernie Ecclestone expressed his desire to return to Montreal as well as adding New York to the calendar.

The Canadian GP was dropped from the F1 calendar due to financial reasons, leaving North American without a race as Indianapolis had also been scrapped from the calendar.

But North American fans may not have to wait too long for at least one of the races to be reinstated.

"We are trying to get that back on again," Ecclestone told Motor Sport magazine. "The (Canadian) government is interested."

Montreal, though, isn't the only venue that the F1 supremo is looking at, adding that the possibility of a race in New York is also on the cards.

"It is the one place where someone could make a business out of it," he said.

"Apart from Indianapolis... there is nowhere in America we could go to and hold our head up and say 'this is comparable to other circuits we are building around the world'"

[Millsie]

Can you see the NYC skyline from Watkins Glen?

[bpratt]

Can you see the NYC skyline from Watkins Glen?

Probably from the helicopter hovering at 5000 feet above the track.