Mediterranean GP (corrected spelling)

ECW Dan Selby · 18 May 2006, 13:11 (Ref:1613464)

Well, that's apparently the plan, to hold a Med GP in place of Hockenheim/Nurburg/Spa (the Euro financial strugglers, basically).

It's a toss-up between France's Paul Ricard or Spain's Valencia. Valencia have had a hefty track upgrade (or atleast have one in line) and Ricard are claiming they could quite easily hold a race now.

This is the part that really interested me, though...

Ricard have suggested the idea of a 'VIP Race', which wouldn't include having fans there.

Don't quite know what to make of that. Could be quite different, but the podium would be embarrasing.

Thoughts?

Selby

littlefarny · 18 May 2006, 16:02 (Ref:1613575)

I'd imagine if this is true Paul Ricard would be the way to go, they get through some serious miles there in testing.

flor · 18 May 2006, 16:14 (Ref:1613580)

Paul Ricard doesnt have any stands for spectators as you said and it would be just stupid to race there. BTW the Nürburgring is not struggling it's only Hockenheim.

Splatz the Cow · 18 May 2006, 16:41 (Ref:1613592)

I thought the reason Paul Ricard was not on the calendar was because it was considered too fast by the FIA, in its long form. In its short form it is only good for small GT races with Porsches.

It has been a test track for years now, and as much as I like the track, I think it would be a huge backward step for F1 to race there.

Slightly off-topic:
Has anyone else noticed that the moment we started the European leg of the F1 season, passing has become almost non-existent.

The last few races have been a complete waste of time, and have done nothing to benefit F1.

I think all of the European tracks currently on the schedule need to be changed.

The newer tracks, are certainly providing a lot more passing and race action.

ECW Dan Selby · 18 May 2006, 17:20 (Ref:1613614)

Quote:

Originally Posted by flor

BTW the Nürburgring is not struggling it's only Hockenheim.

Aaah damn you itv-f1...

Selby

Marbot · 18 May 2006, 19:25 (Ref:1613698)

A GP for the priveleged few.A great way to drive away the "real" F1 fan IMO.

Not just MO either.http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpa...s_art_id=28073

Knowlesy · 18 May 2006, 19:33 (Ref:1613712)

I think there is a great irony here, that when Bernie comes out and criticises Alonso for not doing enough as a champion for the sport and the fans, he then gives consideration to a VIP exclusive race! Hmmm....

I doubt this will happen. At least, I hope not!

Marbot · 18 May 2006, 19:41 (Ref:1613718)

Could be a non-championship race where the stakes are actually very high.And "The great unwashed" can buy the highlights on DVD.If you thought Formula one was for the people,think again.

chillibowl · 18 May 2006, 20:23 (Ref:1613751)

Quote:

Originally Posted by martyn bott

... "The great unwashed"...

nice!

BootsOntheSide · 19 May 2006, 14:14 (Ref:1614240)

Barcelona and Imola are always snoozes, that's true, but there are plenty of classic circuits in Europe, Spa and Silverstone in particular are always thrillers.

An extra southern Europe Grand Prix might be worth considering, but neither Paul Ricard (no spectator facilities) nor Valencia (too slow and tight for F1 racing) are ideal. Maybe Estoril?

Suze · 19 May 2006, 14:18 (Ref:1614245)

There was a discussion in NISS not so long ago that F1 would not be suitable at Valencia, as the GP2 cars looked too big and powerful around there....

ASCII Man · 19 May 2006, 14:50 (Ref:1614265)

What about... Jerez??

Knowlesy · 19 May 2006, 19:28 (Ref:1614413)

F1 wouldn't be suitable for valencia if you wanted an interesting race that's for sure.

However, the cars aren't too big and powerful for the track. Otherwise they wouldn't test there...

T0MAT01 · 19 May 2006, 19:42 (Ref:1614422)

Quote:

Originally Posted by martyn bott

A GP for the priveleged few.A great way to drive away the "real" F1 fan IMO.

Not just MO either.http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpa...s_art_id=28073

A GP where rich folk go and stand around what is essentially an ugly stripey test track?!!

nah, I'd still go to Monaco if I were a money flaunter. It has a better ring to it.

kipper · 19 May 2006, 19:54 (Ref:1614430)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASCII Man

What about... Jerez??

The FIA had a falling out with Jerez in '97 as the local mayor entered the podium celebrations and it was threatned that Jerez would not be allocated a race again. I've no idea whether this was serious or something that was said in the heat of the moment.

With regard to a Mediterranean Grand Prix, then Valencia is just not suited to F1 and Paul Ricard is just plain daft. That said, the circuit is owned by Bernie Ecclestone, who I don't believe hold spectators in high regard, so maybe anything is possible.

Personally, I would like to see Estoril return to the schedule, although if either Nurburgring or Hockenheim stop holding F1, then this frees up the European GP tag, so perhaps there are more possible venues.

marcel82 · 19 May 2006, 22:15 (Ref:1614527)

they might as well race at Enna Pergusa, that's on an island in the Mediterranean...

Alwaysfirst · 19 May 2006, 23:21 (Ref:1614554)

I would love to have Paul Ricard on the calendar BUT only if Bernie builds grandstands for spectators-& I'm thinking seating for 60000+, & if it is in place of Magny-Cours as the French GP. We don't need a Mediterranean GP & a VIP GP would be a huge nail in the coffin for F1 from a spectators point of view.

Raglanparade · 19 May 2006, 23:25 (Ref:1614556)

Um... they build temporary grandstands for a lot of circuits on the calender already.

Melbourne, Canada, Monaco ?

Knowlesy · 20 May 2006, 10:00 (Ref:1614749)

Most circuits have temporary grandstands, apart from the newer ones.

Silverstone for example, has lots of them.

On the subject of Paul Ricard, do we really want an F1 race where every mistake would go unpunished on what is basically a barren plot of tarmac with horrible coloured paint everywhere?

ASCII Man · 20 May 2006, 10:03 (Ref:1614751)

You'd be thinking you're on some kind of LSD trip while watching the race, cool huh?

Suze · 20 May 2006, 15:24 (Ref:1614916)

Quote:

Originally Posted by knowlesy

F1 wouldn't be suitable for valencia if you wanted an interesting race that's for sure.

However, the cars aren't too big and powerful for the track. Otherwise they wouldn't test there...

True, however having not been there (and having passed on a second hand quote!) I don't know so much!

I wouldn't really want to see a race at Paul Ricard, better to keep it as a test venue.

JeremySmith · 20 May 2006, 17:44 (Ref:1615067)

Can we just have *Spa* back please and just keep Paul Ricard as a test facility..

T0MAT01 · 20 May 2006, 18:11 (Ref:1615084)

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeremySmith

Can we just have *Spa* back please and just keep Paul Ricard as a test facility..

Surely posh people would rather look at tarmac covered in blue lines than the scenery surronding Spa Francorchamps?

vs

pdman · 20 May 2006, 18:13 (Ref:1615089)

Quote:

Originally Posted by martyn bott

A GP for the priveleged few.A great way to drive away the "real" F1 fan IMO.

Not just MO either.http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpa...s_art_id=28073

Don't we already have that with Monoco

Marbot · 20 May 2006, 19:15 (Ref:1615135)

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdman

Don't we already have that with Monoco

Some of the "Great unwashed" have managed to get tickets for that event.

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