20 races per season?

[Nicholas]

F1 magazine is saying that the FIA is under pressure to add more races to the season, especially with so many countries are trying to get a GP like Russia, Lebanon, UAE, Egypt, China, India, or perhaps another US GP? The list goes on...

It wouldn't exactly go down well with the teams, who say they're stretched as it is, but I quite like the idea ! But any increase would have to take place after the Concorde agreement expires in 2006 which limits the number of races to 17.

[facco]

please, please... let it be... 20 races per year... and more than 24 racers, but only the top 24 in classifying times racing on Sunday...
Dear Santa, I've been good through the year. This is all I am asking for.

[Stephen Green]

It's a wonderful idea and one that's been around for some time. The major problem is that ALL teams have to agree to the change and that's not going to happen. I agree with you that to accomodate the sponsors wishes, to go to countries where their products need to be advertised, they will have to expand the series. If not, then there will be a few European races that may well face the axe.

As has been said in other forums, the French get 2 GP's (Magny Cours and Monaco). The Germans also with the Nurburgring and Hockenheim. The Italinas with Monza and San Marino. Other GP's like Hungary and Spain could also face the act, not to mention Silverstone (we have all read the Mosley onslaught haven't we!)

Stephen.

[Nicholas]

Originally posted by facco
and more than 24 racers, but only the top 24 in classifying times racing on Sunday...

That's a pretty good idea... a better alternative than top 26 in qualifying...

[paulzinho]

How about 20 races, no limits on the number of teams, pre qualifying and qualifying, 26 starters.....

[Stephen Green]

Unless there is a major miracle, teams will be pegged at 12 so as to protect their value to others wishing to enter F1. At the moment the only way a new team/manufacturer can get into F1 is to buy an existing team. Now who in their right minds is going to agree to extra teams?

[Speedworx]

More race - yes
better points system - yes
overtaking - please
exciting races - pretty please

Just a few pointers for the FIA.

[f1manoz]

Great idea, will never happen.

[kuchi]

Originally posted by hakkiman
More race - yes
better points system - yes
overtaking - please
exciting races - pretty please

Just a few pointers for the FIA.

I totally agree on this one.

[Speed]

Global economic situation is pathetic, so I can't see how they can increment the number of races and teams.

[srinimax]

well i do hope too that newer venues come by. malaysia's entry was sure exciting and i hope some of the other countries get their chance too. and yes, rather than adding races, changing the existing 2-races-same-country situation would be good. i do hope atleast russia, china, india and uae/lebanon come through. that would make f1 truly a global sport with only soccer being there alongside.

[srinimax]

hey anyone know why there cant be a south african gp at kyalami ?

[Stephen Green]

It's a question of both money and security. Kyalami was first reserve on the F1 calender about 3-4 years ago and was 'promised' a GP by one BE. Needless to say with the economic problems in all 'emerging market economies' and the huge increase in violent crime in South Africa, particularly in and around Johannesburg (that's where Kyalami is situated) it was called off. I understand that Vodacom were to be the principle sponsor but as BE requires payment in USD and the Rand has depreciated by around 40% over the past 4 years, you can see the problems involved.

To my knowledge, Kyalami still holds an F1 track licence and I for one would love to see it back there again soon!

[FastJoel31]

Originally posted by nicholaswhite
...Russia, Lebanon, UAE, Egypt, China, India...

UAE and India? Hmmm a little far off maybe

[Nicholas]

Possibly, but then you could say the same about Russia.

[paulzinho]

An Egyptian GP would be quite funny considering the traffic laws there consistof barging your way onto the road and beeping your horn every 5 seconds.

Come to think of it when I was there we went through one set of traffic lights and they were red!!!!!

[srinimax]

Originally posted by Stephen Green
It's a question of both money and security. Kyalami was first reserve on the F1 calender about 3-4 years ago and was 'promised' a GP by one BE. Needless to say with the economic problems in all 'emerging market economies' and the huge increase in violent crime in South Africa, particularly in and around Johannesburg (that's where Kyalami is situated) it was called off. I understand that Vodacom were to be the principle sponsor but as BE requires payment in USD and the Rand has depreciated by around 40% over the past 4 years, you can see the problems involved.

To my knowledge, Kyalami still holds an F1 track licence and I for one would love to see it back there again soon!

thanks for that stephen, i wish kyalami was back too.

[Stephen Green]

A pleasure Srinimax, I will let you know if I hear any more from my friends at Kyalami.

[Bononi]

It would be very good to have 2 races in South America...

[Nicholas]

Originally posted by srinimax
hey anyone know why there cant be a south african gp at kyalami ?

Its' because the max is seventeen at the moment and all those seventeen are full up at the moment until Bernie gets bored with one and kills it .

[paulzinho]

Its good to hear that the Premier 1 series won't be visiting current F1 tracks although it doesnt allow for comparisson.

I just wish that theyd chosen Brands!!!!!!!

[jmslone]

I like the idea.I hope they will do it.

[f1manoz]

Given the number of countries that want rights to a GP, it would be great to see 20 races a year, but it won't happen, simply because the teams will never agree. If anything, races will be dropped (particularly in Europe) to accomodate for more races, places such as Russia, China and Africa.

Over the past couple of seasons, CART have had a 20+ race season, but even they are now going to be cutting back to at least 16 due to increased costs. And considering the majority of races take part in North America, that has to say something about the cost of packing up and travelling to various continents around the world. A bad comparison I know CART v F1, but it makes sense.

This would probably be the calender within the next decade:

Australia
South America - Brazil
Europe - France, Britain, Germany, Russia, Italy, Spain, Monaco
Africa - South Africa
Asia - Japan, Malaysia, China
North America - USA, Canada

Hungary will probably be gone because of the Russian round. Plus the fact the circuit sucks doesn't help Hungary
Nurburgring and Imola will have disappeared due to rules stating that no country can have two races on the same soil, no matter what the title of the race!! (NB, Monaco IS a seperate country. It will become a part of France if the King fails to produce an heir to the throne)

Possibles include:
- a second US race, perhaps on a street circuit (although because of their failure in the 80s and 90s, probably not)
- a race in India may happen, but will need a lot of money to work
- with the war and everything at the moment, any plans for a race in the Middle East will have disappeared and won't return for a while

[paulzinho]

What about Spa?

[f1manoz]

Originally posted by paulzinho
What about Spa?

Oops, my mistake!

Include Spa in that list of Gps.