Circuit changes: Maybe it's just me but...

[Lee Janotta]

Okay, this is _really_ bugging me right now. As I look at the maps of the before and after versions of Interlagos and the Österreich/A1-Ring, I've got to wonder what the hell was the thinking behind making the old track inoperable in the process? With Hockenheim, it was some BS way to pacify the Greens (who should be smart enough to see thru something like that), but what's the deal with these two tracks? I mean, I look at an aerial photo of Interlagos, and I can still see the whole old track! Some of it's torn up in the infield, but what would it take to put the old layout back into use. A few weeks with a paving crew?

The modifications to the Österreichring were more radical, but the large portion to the east from turn 1 thru the insane uphill Dr. Tiroch kurve, and thru the backstraight wasn't replaced, it was simply cut away, which is why the track is so much shorter in it's current form. I can't find an aerial photo, is there any pavement of that part of the track still there? And certainly, if the track were to be restored, the other turns could be replicated by extending the track slightly and adding the smoother, faster profile corners, especially the magnificent, original, banked Boschkurve.

I'm really and truly thinking that Bernie does this simply out of spite for the fans.

[f1manoz]

Sadly, the old Hockenheim will soon be gone forever. The old track has been dug up and will eventually be replaced by trees.

This is just another thing in a long list of reasons why people are switching off - soon enough, there will be 17 races in 17 different countries but what's the point when the elements of the track are nearly always the same.

[Sato san]

thats true F1manoz , to a degree we will end up with 17 simular kinds of circuit if Max gets his way .

What a shame that will be .

[Lee Janotta]

Yeah, that's exactly what I'm talking about, the deliberate destruction of historic pavement! It's like Bernie kicks you in the groin when the track's modified, then spits in your face by making sure no one can ever use the old track again!

[Sato san]

i a firm believer in keeping history ...even if it means changes , it doesnt mean you have to dig up and throw away what weve enjoyed in times gone by .

[Speedworx]

I have seen some overhead shots of the A1-Ring and you can see the old track, that was after turn 1.

Interlagos would be better if they used the old track.

[Lee Janotta]

Thanks hakkiman, it warms my hear to know the Dr. Tirosch Kurve is still there...

[paulzinho]

Shame the old Kyalamis gone forever too.

[Lee Janotta]

Yeah, but that's equally the fault of inept local government and greedy real estate developers, Paul... Likewise Zandvoort.

[strad]

My heart weeps for the loss of the old tracks,( sounds melodramatic but I can't think of a better way to put it),,These cookie cutter tracks are nothing more than oversized go-kart parks.

[Number Juan]

does anyone have any aerial shots or links to sites that do have aerial shots of before/after photos?

[kdr]

ron dennis in motorsport news today says f1 would be better going to moscow or new orleans, than spa.

the cost of everything...and the value of nothing.

[Adam43]

Ron Dennis has been saying that it would be a shame to lose Spa. I think he was just making the point that in financial and convience terms it would be better to go to tracks other than Spa.

[kdr]

belgium...pretty far-flung

[Adam43]

No Spa isn't that far-flung from Woking, but I didn't mean the actual team getting there. Although in someways it is a pain.

Belgium may not be convenient as other countries in terms of attracting backers, getting to the relevant (or new) market places etc...

[kdr]

back to the "cost of everything - value of nothing" theory again.

be interesting to hear from a team without tobacco sponsorship..

[Miss Hardt]

Originally posted by f1manoz
Sadly, the old Hockenheim will soon be gone forever. The old track has been dug up and will eventually be replaced by trees.

This is just another thing in a long list of reasons why people are switching off - soon enough, there will be 17 races in 17 different countries but what's the point when the elements of the track are nearly always the same.

Has anyone noticed that Parabolika is a lausy copy of Blanchimont and that Spitzkehre reminds of the Adelaide Hairpin in Nevers? Why? What was wrong with the old chicanes?

Forever is a relative term. For me it's still here *putting on my self-made necklace*

[Jordi]

C'mon. it can't be inspired in Blanchimont... Blanchimont is much much more challeging...

Anyway. Most tracks suck.
True ones still standing: Spa, Monza, Elkhart, Laguna, Mid-Ohio, Rd. Atlanta, Mosport....

[Lee Janotta]

Hmm, I still don't get why some people like Mid-Ohio so much. I can't figure it out, which is particularly troubling since it's my home track! Too many blind, off-camber, zero-grip downhill corners... Desperatly difficult to pass there.

Definitly add Virginia International Raceway to that list, Jordi. And, of course, the Nurburgring Nordschliefe, Linas-Montlhery, and Clermont-Ferrand. It's just that no one ever used those magnificent old tracks... :/

[kristof14]

i know it's not an F1 track and never will be but Oulton Park is one of the best race tracks i've ever seen!

[EERO]

Don't forget Watkins Glen. Its a fine course despite the wretched chicane at the end of the straight.

But to be honest, i don't understand the distruction of the tracks and that removal of the pavement not used for the F1 course.

In my mind, the modifications to Woodcote at Silverstone and the whole Luffield sequence are the worst offeders.