Quote:
Originally Posted by bjohnsonsmith
I get the feeling Bernie doesn't care where F1 races, just as long as he gets his sanction fee.
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This is what happens when you give responsibility to run a sport to a commercial enterprise. They do not care who pays them for a race as long as they are getting their fee. They do not care if no one turns up to the track as they do not need live spectators to make their money. When the promoter or circuit owner goes broke because of no live spectators, they will find another promoter or circuit who will pay the fee to run the race.
The places that do get spectators know the value of keeping the event so will continue to pay what is required while they are still making money. Look at the British GP providing financing options to fans to get tickets this year. At some point the balance will tip, fans will stop going and the circuit will stop paying the fee. Well unless the Government tops it up.
In the case of circuits like Albert Park, the promoter is the Government and they look at the return on investment on tourism and what not. They don't look to make a profit on the event as such because they are more concerned about the overall economic benefit.
The future of F1 could well be 19 races at the one circuit owned by FOM, with perhaps 30 or 40 different layouts designed by Tilke and changed each year. No spectators required - a pure visual event for the European fans in their timezone. He could have his flooded track to spice things up or what have you.
Oh and the one race at Monaco as required by the contract.
Those who think of F1 as the pinnacle of motorsport would be aghast, but those who flick around the teev looking for sportsutainment wouldn't mind.
Those who no longer have to transport their cars or teams all over the world would save money. Teams would be home more with their families.
