Monza, the historic home of the Italian grand prix, could be a victim of F1's continued push into "emerging markets". That is the warning of F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, who admitted that even the sport's longest-standing European races are not secure. "It is possible that Europe will lose a couple of races in favour of emerging markets," he told the weekly Italian magazine Panorama. "If we do move away from Monza - and I say 'if', because no decision has been taken yet - it would be only for economic reasons. "Of course, the quality of the circuit and the organisation could also be better," added Ecclestone, "but that is not the crucial point." Earlier this week, 1996 world champion Damon Hill warned Ecclestone that removing the "cornerstones" of the sport, such as key European races, is a real risk. "Without European enthusiasm," he told the London Evening Standard, "if you just took the sport off to China, India or the States, it would die within minutes. "But I don't think Bernie's interested in the sport. He's interested in the return it gives," added Hill. Europe will lose a couple of races??!!! WTF Bernie?? We only have 7 left, and don't dare to take Monza! (and Spa, and Nürburgring etc.) If Italy will lose it's grand prix I'll personally kill Bernie Ecclestone. Thijs
So true! What else matters. Certainly not 'tradition' Oh wait they will keep Monaco - the procession/pageant.
Just posturing to get the full sum he is asking. Ferrari needs Monza as their showcase to shmooze their VIPs. Ferrari will never let go of Monza and without Ferrari there would be no F1. On somewhat related news: Bernie just waived the 15 (?) million $ fee for Nuerburgring so that race won't be lost. The guy has a soft spot for good ol' Europe after all. PS: The Thai GP got canned before it became real. Local opposition killed it.
Basically bernie is in between a rock and hard spot. CVC wants $$$ ( Bernie too) but he needs bigger and bigger returns. if F-1 cant get floated soon and the return startes to flatten out- I'm speculating here - I imagine either Bernie is out, or will have to make up the difference in projection on income.... He wants the country to foist the bill... and that has been happening in the far east... but places like China, India, etc... can only last for so long before the economic realities hit... China is starting to feel it already... I'm sure there will be African countries looking to spend more $$.. Gp of the Central African Republic? GP of Iran? ... Russia, will happen, and I think Mexico ... Canada, US and any number of european races can get the Axe... Spain in particular due to economic climate... It really is a shame but F-1 is SO FAR from its roots its basically open wheeled NASCAR.
Why? Hungaroring is older than over 60% of all the tracks this season. If anything kill one of the new tracks. Plenty to chose from.
He just allowed the Nurburgring to go without paying this year's fee. Sounds like Bernie's empty threats, again. He makes one to Interlagos yearly.
Keep in mind there is a big "IF" in all os this. I understand the need to expand by growing the sport in other markets. but I think they have room to ad a few races, before they start chopping existing tracks from the schedule.
Hungaroring is a boring track, in a country without motor racing history. It wouldn't be a big loss! The Netherlands, Portugal or Sweden would have more rights to claim a GP; in facts, they each had one before!
Well, after almost 30 years in the F1 calendar, we could say that Hungaroring already has some tradition.
Holland has about as many GP races as Hungary (30 to 28) whereas Swedens 6 and Portugals 16 really don't qualify those countries ahead of Hungary. As for history: the very first ever GP winner came from Hungary
+10000 I never, never, never liked this track. If we want non-stop corners, we have Monaco already. I don't get this track at all.
Yes, if it's not from Europe, get rid of Korea. I still have the comment in my head that when people started getting settled for the second race, there was still food from the first race in the fridges... WTF. Can you believe seeing food from a year ago? That tells the good work being done there -- no love for their own GP. Does something like this is ever going to happen in Monza? That, plus the fact that the grandstands were so empty tells you it'll loose money.
It's not the number of GPs held that matters to me, but the overall motoring heritage a country has. Many racing drivers come from Sweden, which has a thriving motorsport scene, for example. Same for The Netherlands, or Belgium. What has Hungary to propose to match that? Ecclestone takes GPs to countries that have no motorsport heritage, and far from the F1 fan base. We keep seeing empty grandstands at some venues. It's even surprising the sponsors don't revolt on that issue.
I take it you have never been to a GP at the Hungaroring? It is one of the best venues for fans as it is not only logistically easy (big city with lots of hotels nearby and easy transport to the track) but also fantastic to watch: the track is like in its own hilly arena and you can see several areas at once, a bit like Barcelona or Brands Hatch It is also the venue of choice for the fans from Finland and Poland I never want to go back to Silverstone but I wouldn't mind attending another race in Budapest.
Poor, poor Bernie. He sold out the sport long ago. As long as the music doesn't stop before the sell off he'll be content. After that its a big FU.
None of these criteria are the ones you should be using for determining which track stays or goes. History? History is bunk-As Mr. Henry Ford use to say. Difficulty of track? Important if you are a driver! Money? So crass. The only thing that should matter is as follows: The quality (and quantity of such) of the Grid girls and the female spectators. Come on guys-We all know that is what we really look for when we are at the tracks! Tops would be the Brno Circuit in Czech Republic. (Oh my god are they all stunning, friendly and abundant!) And accommodating. A close second would be just about any track in Australia. (Sun, surf, outdoor lifestyle adds up to some very nice specimens of the female "type") Brazil: Need I say more? Monaco: Money always brings out the young pretty ones! But the ideal track would be in Iceland. If you have been there you know that there is not a single ugly girl in the entire country, they go mad and drink till oblivious at a moment's notice-and-the country has about zero social stigma regarding casual sex! Why Are Icelanders So Blasé About Sex? Back markers-UK, Germany and yes-The USA. (And I am a yank.)
LOL. So still, according to your "criteria", Monza should not far behind...! The grid girls at Monza will be proof. Sweden and Finland then should also be in contention...
