16 race calendar more ideal for F1, says Ecclestone
Formula One CEO Bernie Ecclestone has revealed his thoughts on the 2011 F1 calendar – the longest in history with 20 races in 19 countries – in an interview with the Times of India. With new tracks being
added such as the Yeongam circuit in South Korea (scheduled for October 24) the landscape of the F1 circuit is changing dramatically.
Historic circuits such as Monza and Monaco, beloved classics to F1 fans and racers alike, remain an integral part of the calendar, while new additions such as the Singapore Grand Prix night race are breathing
a revitalizing energy into the great tradition. And with so many virtuoso performers hitting the asphalt this year in dangerously close contention for the title, the more races there are, the better.
Yet Ecclestone, who has to keep atop the business world and keep the well-being of smaller economies into consideration, believes that next year’s 20 race season is just about bursting at its limit. “We
really should be at 16, to be honest,” reflected Ecclestone. “Twenty is plenty, that's the limit. No more. I've been able to squeeze in 20 but I wouldn't want to increase it. There'll be mayhem otherwise.”
His statements echo that of Mercedes boss Ross Brawn, who complained a few days ago that teams will be stretched to the breaking point next year. Brawn pointed out that a season extending into December
would possibly require alternating teams of mechanics, but this could interfere with the rhythm and continuity of their relationship with the cars and drivers.
As well, this would increase the very costs which the International Automobile Federation (FIA) has been aiming to cut down.
Organization and budgeting is crucial as well, with revenues falling far short of expectations. The Australian Grand Prix faced a torrent of angry protests this year when the government spent nearly $50
million on the track – leading to demands to cancel the event entirely.
Yet other countries, such as South Korea, Russia, India, and the United States are vying to make their mark on the famous sport by hosting an event, so they give-and-take of old favourites vs. new playgrounds
will likely be a rocky fluctuation from season to season.
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