Formula One: More venues invite more problems
The President of Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), Jean Todt has very vividly stated that he does not see the addition of Africa in Formula one calendar anywhere in near future. The teams have shown a lot of reluctance
for taking so many new circuits under the FIA umbrella owing to the pressure and stress brought to the drivers and factory workers due to so many events.
The decision of the president for keeping Africa away, for the time being has been appreciated by all the teams, as the ever swelling Formula One calendar is making it difficult for them to cope with the ever increasing demands
and challenges.
Competing in 20 races in the upcoming 2011 season is the maximum number the teams have agreed upon, while they are adamant not to let this increase further at any cost. This season saw 19 races which were made possible on the
expense of testing sessions. The teams already believe that they had very little mileage this season as compared to the past years. The 1990s seasons saw typically 16 races which were comfortably carried by the drivers as well as the teams.
This season saw the addition of the Korean track in the calendar for which many believe that it was not a very wise decision. The fate of the event was not finalised till last Monday, which means only two weeks before the event owing to the delayed construction
work at the site. Just imagine, a Formula One Grand Prix, an event that involves millions and billions of dollars, huge amounts of advertisements and sponsors, race spectators that have to pour in from around the globe and much more was not finalised even
14 days ahead.
This became miserable especially because now when the championship is taking its last twists and turns, the teams were uncertain if there are three more races to go or two. The strategies, the race plan and how many more points they yet have to fight for,
all was uncertain to the teams until last week, a much unexpected thing at the biggest racing series of the world.
Last year marked the induction of the Abu Dhabi track in the calendar while in 2008 Singapore embraced the first Formula One race on its soil. Now, India is preparing to become a part of the calendar for the 2011 season. Moreover, last week has also seen
a deal finalised with the Russians to hold a Grand Prix in 2014 season.
The way things are appearing currently, by 2014 the calendar would have 22 races, keeping in mind the entry of India and USA in the forth coming seasons. Furthermore, it is also expected that France, that has not been in the calendar for last two years
would also re-enter very soon. God knows how!
The advocates of France believe that it could not be avoided for long time arguing that it has the right to be back. Being one of the oldest venues for the sport, having hosted the first race in 1906 and above all, doesn’t it sound amazing that the place
homing FIA headquarters is being deprived of slot in the calendar.
Well, only time will now tell what the supremo of Formula One, Bernie Ecclestone is going to decide. Putting the drivers, the teams and the issue of dates aside, how is the petrol issue going to be resolved. As it is already facing problems for fuelling
with only 19 races, where Formula One is going to dig in, to provide sufficient fuel for 22 tracks in 2014.
It is now time to only wait and watch if your favourite venue stays in or is dropped off the calendar next year?
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