Formula One tracks and their fate
Last week saw the signing of the Russians with Formula One and then there was debate over the addition of African Grand Prix in the calendar. With the induction of so many new venues, the fate of some of the tracks seems gloomy
now.
Korea is to hold its debut Grand Prix this year; the organisers of the race, Korea Auto Valley Operation (KAVO) have disappointed immensely in the past few months as the construction work was
badly delayed. However, the event this weekend now is their final test. Although, Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has already signed a multi-year deal but even that is not a surety for keeping it in the calendar. FIA
could always wind up, imposing severe financial penalties for not meeting the standards.
The other addition in the 2011 Formula One calendar is India, which has just come out of the debacle of the Commonwealth Games. After an exhibition of poor hosting, the Indian government is expected to be extra cautious in the
development of the Delhi GP circuit, which is to host its maiden Grand Prix next Year.
One of the latest venues which can, rest assure for its survival is Singapore. The place is considered as the most favourite addition in past 20 years. It gives the festivity and entertainment an added value, and has no shortage
of money for FIA, so the two can go happy for long.
Moreover, the Abu Dhabi circuit is also safe and sound, not because it is a great track or that the drivers or the race fans are immensely fond of it, but because they have money to fuel FIA for years; all that it needs.
China and Turkey mark the two dullest events of the season. When places like France and New York can hold races it is strange that Formula One wants to go back to Shanghai or Istanbul over and over again. Moreover, with no home
racers or teams, neither the drivers nor the race viewers have much enthusiasm for these two rounds. Besides the fact that Ottodromo Track at Istanbul Park is one of Herman Tilke’s best designs, and it will be a shame to keep such a master piece off the calendar,
people are not interested in the event. Moreover, the only thing that might safeguard China is its commercial value. It has become the biggest market of autos around the world.
A similar story repeats for Malaysia. The spectators there are determined not to be charmed with the tricks of Formula One probably because of a missing home driver. Besides being part of the calendar for a decade, now the people
and the sport have failed to embrace each other. With all that, how can you expect the rest of the world to be excited about it?
Another new track, Bahrain, that had its inaugural Grand Prix in 2004, has a great pit complex and a great testing area, but little public appeal. Especially its televisual value is very less which makes the event a much boring
one.
On the other hand the tracks that are modern and have strong fan bases are Australia, Brazil, Japan, Hungary and Spain. People want them there at the top of the calendar always, only if the organisers keep FIA happy with payments.
Then there is the last group of circuits that are like the mafia of the sport. They are safe no matter what. They are the oldest and the strongest in the sport with huge money and even huger fan following; Britain, Germany, Italy,
Monaco and Belgium are to stay there despite the odd talks over Monaco needing to pay more money or that Belgium needs updating.
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