Bernie Ecclestone thinks Japanese Grand Prix will be axed – Formula 1 update
Formula 1 chief, Bernie Ecclestone, has shown concerns over Japanese Grand Prix, latter this year, after the devastating earthquake struck the city. Bernie expressed his feelings about the race and said that the track will be fine but the cost of the track
tickets will be axed.
Almost a month ago, the 8.9 magnitude earthquake struck the city and destroyed almost everything. However, the Formula 1 track in Suzuka was not damaged. Bernie thinks that even though the track is good for the Formula 1 sport, the cost will be cut down
and Formula 1 budget will be compromised.
“The problem is not going to be any damage to the circuit; it is how much damage is done commercially with people buying tickets. We had trouble with an earthquake before and tried to help them”, commented Bernie.
This will be the second Grand Prix lost this season. First being the Bahrain Grand prix which was axed by the political uprising in the country. The Bahrain decision will be taken on 1st May but it is becoming evident that the race is not going
to happen because the situation is more than unstable.
As far as Japan is concerned, the Japanese MOTOGP Grand prix has been cancelled before which was scheduled to be held on the 24th of April.
Formula 1 world would have moved to Japan in early October but it’s not the track that is giving Bernie a headache, but the cost of the tickets that are going to sell and the charity that F1 would have to pay to Japanese people.
Currently it is revealed that Formula 1 is already in a loss of $5.2 million which was spent in the name of hospitality and charity.
Also the Bahrain Grand Prix fee was returned by Bernie to the Bahraini officials, which makes it clear why Bernie is looking at an early exit form Formula 1 Boss seat.
For now, no words from the Japanese officials have hit the media and Japanese Grand Prix remains on the Formula 1 2011 calendar.
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