Comments on: Why the 2007 calendar is too short

By: Gman

Gman — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 05:40:04 +0000

Sorry about the duplicate post above- my keyboard is out of sync at the moment. To finish the Portugal thought, I heard that the Estoril circut was declared outdated/unsafe/etc.. by the F1 administration. But the again, we know how much Bernie loves to rant and rave about things like that (a la Silverstone) when it may not really be that bad.

In any event, I’ve read of a new track being built in Portugal with the aim of bringing F1 back- anyone have any info on this? And Ollie, I remember seeing many of the old circuts (Estoril, Paul Ricard, Phoenix, Imola, Jerez, Jacarepaguá) in the game Super Monaco GP for Sega Genesis- a fantastic game!!!!

By: Gman

Gman — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 05:32:56 +0000

It’s obviously been some time since this was posted, and some of the ideas suggested above (India) ahve come to reality, while others (Singapore) have developed also. In the few weeks that i’ve spent visiting this website, I have found most articles to be outstanding, but this one truly shines- I tip my hat to the author.

Since this was written, we are seeing expansion of the schedule, but in markets outside of where this article suggested. As an American, I was deeply upset when Bernie pulled F1 out of the US, and it is very sad to see him attempting what appears to be an identical move on our friends in Australia. Mexico also belongs in the mix, but I doubt Bernie would look back to it.

Returning to Portugal would be good, but would Estoril work? I know the A1 series was there a few years ago, but I thought the track was outdated by F1

F1 is expanding, but not in the manner which many of us would hope.

By: Alpine

Alpine — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 02:40:52 +0000

Yes, Jerez and Estoril Should return. What about altrenating between Dijon, Paul Ricard, a revised Mangy Cours, and a new track at Reims? I’d keep the hungaroring but redo the awful and dangouras Turn #4. They should put in a race in Finland, maybe at an extended Keimola track. Think about it. 3 world champions (Rosberg, haikkonen, raikkonen) and Kovalanen looks promising, and no gp. Great job on the schudale.

By: Anthony C

Anthony C — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 16:56:30 +0000

“An ideal scenario as far as Iâ€™m concerned would be a 20 race calendar with no longer than two weeks between each race, perhaps except for one three-week break in the summer as is currently practised.”

Say no more and yes to more international venues. An african race would be great to see. Should we another race in the States? maybe laguna seca? a wonderful track consisting of tight turns and wicked elevation changes. too much for an F1 car to handle? IF Nascar can do it, F1 can do it. Should Indy be sacrificed? Looking at recent events there and the embarassment shared by the F1 community over tires and safety i think put a blackmark on F1 in the states. F1 needs to shine in the states more, of course this being my own selfish anticipation as it would be far easier for me to attend an event. Taking a quick poll at my job here in Seattle and asking what people would rather watch Nascar or F1 in their backyard, the unfortunate response was nascar. Why i asked? combined responses seem to point to ease of understanding the technology better and a larger fan base makes it more exciting for chit chat.. argh… Anyone hiring in the UK or Italy for a lackey of the wireless world?

By: James B

James B — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 16:26:09 +0000

I think there should be a return to Jerez and Estoril in the European GP.

By: Miranda

Miranda — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 19:10:41 +0000

I agree – and a race at Kyalami again would be superb.

By: jtm

jtm — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 18:28:41 +0000

I think you should include a spot for an Indian GP as well, although it’s probably still a few years away.

I like your comment that there should be a GP in the reigning champs home country. What about having one of the roaming races like the European GP specificially in the champs home nation if that nation doesn’t have a GP currently? It might be difficult, however, since I’m sure some nations don’t have a legitimate track to host a race. It would be nice to see the infrastructure built up in different places however, and it would probably help bring in new fans to the sport.

By: Ollie White

Ollie White — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 14:29:25 +0000

I agree and also feel the season should be opened to more venues rather than restricting the races, especially as fresh rumours circulate over the future of Silverstone and the British Grand Prix.
I also feel that Suzuka should have a permanant home on the calendar, as should Spa, Montreal and Interlagos.
I can remember playing an old computer game with some of those circuits on it, but I feel sad that I have never actually seen a race at these places, Mexico for example.
As you say, the 21 week off-season is too long and the proposed 4 week gap next year is the most ridiculous thing I have heard in a long time.