Bernie Ecclestone: Austrian GP should be in 2012 calendar, Niki Lauda doubtful – Formula 1 news
Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has said that the Austrian Grand Prix should be held in the 2012 Formula 1 season.
Meanwhile, three-time Austrian champion Niki Lauda thinks that a race in Austria that early will not be possible because it will take a long time.
As some of the current Formula 1 circuits are under question and might not be added to the 2012 calendar, Bernie is keen to get some older tracks added to the Formula 1 arena.
When asked about a race in Austria next season, Bernie said, “Why not? This [refurbishment] should have been done 10 years ago. Without the rain I might have never realised it's the same area.”
However, Lauda thinks that the Austrian track is still not ready and a race in 2012 is a tough ask. The three-time champion said, “It's a tremendous achievement by Dietrich and a fantastic thing to have this facility here. But it would be much premature
to speculate about a F1 comeback. These things take a long time.”
Many of the current Formula 1 circuits will be history after the 2011 season concludes. Firstly, the Australian Grand Prix would be axed because the past few races have been dull and uneventful.
The 2011 season kicked off in Australia and despite the fact that some new artillery was added to the Formula 1 cars like the Kinetic Energy Recovery System, Drag Reduction System and Pirelli tyres; the race was as dull as it was in the 2010 season.
Turkish Grand Prix is one of the other circuits that might not get a date for the 2012 season due to the increased fee demanded by the International Automobile Federation (FIA).
Apart from these two circuits, the Bahrain Grand Prix might also not get a chance for the 2012 season as the nation failed to solve their political issues and no urgent solution looks possible.
The 2011 season will have 19 or possibly 20 races, if Bahrain joins, but for the 2012 season, Bernie is working hard to get his hands on some newer tracks.
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