From the BBC website: Bernie Ecclestone says a race in Azerbaijan could be on the Formula 1 calendar as early as 2015. The F1 chief executive said discussions over a street circuit race in the capital of Baku would take place on Thursday. The 83-year-old said: "We're having a look to see if we can get it done for next year."
German GP out next year? Lack of finance for the organisers Indian GP out from 2015? Tax problems for the organisers Korean GP out too? No local interest, apparently AZERBAIJAN GP in future? Could take over from Russian GP, maybe? Mexican GP back in future? Growing interest from investors for a return Long Beach too? If it loses the IRL race, according to the papers. Bernie doesn't stop reshufling the cards.
Looking increasingly likely.... Except, Merc will step in one way or another IMO. India is already toast. They were hoping to be back in 2015, but unless many palms get greased, I think they're done. Korea? IIRC, they paid a chunk up front, so Bernie really doesn't care about bums in seats. (As always.) As long as he gets his sanctioning fee, he'll show up. IRL race is contracted thru next year I believe. After that, Chris Pook wants to bring F1 back there, but the city council just met on the matter, and as usual for politicos, 'no decision was reached'..... Would certainly piss off Austin though!..... +1 Must be nice to be in such demand.... Cheers, Ian
Azerbaijan is a sh*t hole...one of the most backward, oppressed and plain horrible place to host anything even remotely related to F1. Sad day when F1 has to resort to Baku for a track.
FEBRUARY 13, 2018 Azerbaijan says current F1 deal unacceptable The Azerbaijan government is not sure it will agree to a new race deal with F1 chiefs. Baku hosted its first race on the historic city streets in 2016, with the contract having been negotiated with the now former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone. Now, sports minister Azad Rahimov is planning to stage talks with Liberty Media after the 2018 race in April. "Within three months after the grand prix, we must give an answer to the leadership of formula one about whether we will extend the contract for another five years until 2025," he told Tass news agency. "Everyone understands that the contract we have now is unacceptable. I think the new leadership of formula one understands that as well," Rahimov added. "We are talking about a number of commercial conditions, sponsorship rights and the price that we pay," he continued. "But I think both ourselves and the leadership of formula one have the desire to leave the race here."
I love it when people willingly and consensually sign a contract, than later decide it's not fair and is "unacceptable." The victim mindset is strong. When people want things, they're sometimes are willing to do just about anything to get it. Who's really at fault here... that person or the one who exploits that? What now? A "MeToo" campaign in F1? The Baku race blows. Get it off the calendar.
