Formula One: 2011 to witness 20 F1 races
The Formula 1 regulatory body, better known as the FIA has finally released the schedule for the 2011 F1 World Championship. The next season sees a total of 20 races after kicking off in March. The addition of the Indian Grand Prix, makes 2011 potentially the longest Formula One calendar year in history.
The inauguration of the Indian Grand Prix would see the Sub-continent finally being born on the world map as a destination for the multi-million dollar motorsport. The Korean Grand Prix set to kick start if ‘Okayed’ in the final inspection on September 21st this year. The addition of India to the line-up would further see Asia cement its credentials for the Formula One stage next year.
Naturally, The Bahrain Grand Prix shall kick start proceedings on the 13th of March. Following trips to the Australian, Malaysian and Chinese circuits would start the European cycle. The season would also conclude with the Brazilian Grand Prix, two weeks later than this year.
India shall make its debut on the 20th of October with the inauguration ceremony next year. The Grand Prix itself is scheduled to take place ten days later. A treat reserved in the latter stages of the season. The Grand Prix is still ‘subject to the homologation’ of the Jaypee Circuit but it is expected that work on the track shall be completed in time and a lot sooner than the out-of-the-rulebook exception laid for the Korean Grand Prix.
While the 2010 season saw a total of 3 back to back races, 2011 will feature an even more jammed pack schedule with four races set to feature on successive weekends. The Malaysia Grand Prix to be followed by the Chinese next week, the race in Spain to be held a week before the Monaco GP, the German Grand Prix followed by the Hungarian and finally the Japanese GP also a week apart from the Korean Grand Prix.
The 2011 calendar is as follows:
March 13: The Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir
March 27: The Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne
April 10: The Malaysian Grand Prix, Sepang
April 17: The Chinese Grand Prix, Shanghai
May 8: The Turkish Grand Prix, Istanbul
May 22: The Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona
May 29: The Monaco Grand Prix, Monte Carlo
June 12: The Canadian Grand Prix, Montreal
June 26: The European Grand Prix, Valencia
July 10: The British Grand Prix, Silverstone
July 24: The German Grand Prix, Nürburgring
July 31: The Hungarian Grand Prix, Hungaroring
August 28: The Belgian Grand Prix, Spa-Francorchamps
September 11: The Italian Grand Prix, Monza
September 25: The Singapore Grand Prix, Marina Bay
October 9: The Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka
October 16: The Korean Grand Prix, Yeongam
October 30: The Indian Grand Prix, New Delhi *
November 13: The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina
November 27: The Brazilian Grand Prix Interlagos
*race subject to homologation of the track
The upcoming season, with additions to regulations, adds up to a tantalizing spectacle. An actual Grand Prix in a country known for the Taj Mahal would become an even hotter vacationing prospect. While it is assumed that officials need to ensure safety with respect to the on track level expected by the FIA, it is also a dilemma on an off track front, owing to the political turmoil prevailing in and out of the country. Catering to safety issues would be the FIA’s and the Indian Government’s primary priority.
Unlike many of its European counterparts, the Indian Grand Prix shall be held in an environment marred by over population (with only an audience of the Chinese Grand Prix to match) and increasing poverty. The recent flooding has brought the region to a standstill. The race itself would be a source of excitement and a possible distraction from the woes of everyday life for the locals. It is sincerely hoped that the Indian Grand Prix, as phrased by the Goo Goo Dolls, '..just a chance that maybe we'll find better days..'
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