Valencia off the menu?

[wolfhound]

Regardless of what happens Bernie will come out smileing, Joe Saward has a few words on the subject that will probably result in one or two less European races.

http://joesaward.wordpress.com/

[chillibowl]

there is always a lot of talk about alternating races within a country i just dont see how it makes more sense to do that. from a branding point of view it must be harder to establish a reputation and fan base if you are switching from year to year. this is even more problematic for Valencia since it is a newer circuit.

i suppose if its the only way to guarantee a race in your country you do it but have the German races become more profitable and better attended since they chose to alternate?

[wolfhound]

If my memory serves me correctly both races were loss making that in a country that last year had a quater of the drivers, current world champion and has won 7 of the last 12 world drivers championships. There is something wrong if they can't make a profit from a GP in Germany.

+ its a motorsport mad country.

[Born Racer]

With my girlfriend's family coming from Valencia, I'm well aware of how little that regional government can afford to commit more disgraces and line the fat pockets of Ecclestone. There is no excuse for using taxpayers' money for a Grand Prix there. Many Spanish governments have already used taxpayers' money in fraudulent ways and the area does not need a Grand Prix to increase its tourism or appeal, not at the amount it costs.

[Wims]

Originally Posted by p-matt

...
And I really don't think Valencia is as bad a circuit as is made out. It doesn't have an atmosphere, but I think it has a better track layout than say Hungary or Singapore.

What? Hungary has an absolutely amazing layout. One of the most interesting layouts in F1 imo

[Mr V]

Originally Posted by Wims

What? Hungary has an absolutely amazing layout. One of the most interesting layouts in F1 imo

For a circuit that doesn't produce a lot of overtaking, it certainly seems to be a favourite among the drivers.

[wolfhound]

Joe Saward has heard that Valencia is in serious doubt because of a lack of money being paid to Bernie.

http://joesaward.wordpress.com/

[ECW Dan Selby]

Good.

Selby

--

Even happier to hear there's a replacement in mind..!

[MJones94]

Well hopefully what Saward is referring to 'the French' works out as then Spa might become a permanent fixture rather than a rotation race.

[Mr V]

Originally Posted by MJones94

Well hopefully what Saward is referring to 'the French' works out as then Spa might become a permanent fixture rather than a rotation race.

But surely Spa is on rotation because the organisers can't afford it every year?

[p-matt]

I wouldn't take what Joe is saying about France that seriously. If they haven't agreed or announced the Belgium rotation by now I doubt they will be able to announce a race this year. Surely Turkey is much more likely as a replacement.

[AngusFangus]

I was at a Silverstone Marshal Club meet up the other month, where Christian Horner of Red Bull was the guest speaker.

He confirmed Valencia would be going and also spoke of other Countries who have expressed an interest in hosting races

[Jordan 199]

I wouldn't miss Valenica, and it would be nice to see it replaced with something better. If it is another Tikering then hopefully it'd be more like his newer Tracks (Korea, India) than his older, duller ones. Maybe it could mean a race not having to rotate with another country every year, which seems to be where European grand prix are heading.

[Born Racer]

My girlfriend is from Valencia province and knowing how the government have slashed her parents' salaries (teachers are civil servants in Spain), I'd rather see the Grand Prix go than see a government lining Bernie's pockets when the economy is tits up and they're punishing the people.

[wolfhound]

According to Bernie the 2 Spanish GPs are to rotate, no mention of this year.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/97918