Mercedes President Norbert Haug: It will be hard to fit Bahrain GP in the Formula 1 calendar
The President of Mercedes-Benz motorsport, Norbert Haug, believes that adjusting the Bahrain Grand Prix in the 2011 Formula 1 season will be a tough task.
While talking to the media, the German told that the way the season’s calendar has been tailored, it is very difficult now to adjust the race anywhere in the middle. This year’s calendar is already the longest one ever made in the history of the sport.
Only a few years back, a Formula 1 calendar used to carry 16 to 17 races, however, its supremo, Bernie Ecclestone, in his attempt to take the series all across the globe started swelling the calendar in the past few years. In 2009, 18 rounds were staged,
last year there were 19 races while this year 20 races were scheduled to take place, including the Bahrain GP.
With already such an overflowing season ahead, Haug fears that fitting the Bahrain round in the middle of the calendar might not be possible. He told the reporters that the mid-season date is unlikely because of the harsh weather condition in this part of
the world.
He believes that the only suitable spot is near the end of the season, around Abu Dhabi GP. However, he further added that if the round is adjusted near the end, it means three back-to-back rounds will take place, in three different countries on consecutive
weekends. This will not only be very hectic and demanding for the drivers but will also be an unprecedented travelling pressure for all the teams.
Haug explained to the reporters, "Finding the right gap in the firmly subscribed calendar is going to be a very difficult task… I don't think it's feasible (three back to back races). One must think first and foremost about the staff.”
When some of the drivers were asked about the prevailing situation they exclaimed that they will be able to cope, but the extensive travelling and logistics issue will be a big strain for the teams.
Virgin driver, Timo Glock said in one of his recent interviews, "For the drivers we could get it done, I would have no problem with it. But for the team and the mechanics, it's very different and difficult. It's in the hands of the decision makers and hopefully
the teams will get involved as well."
However, the youngest team boss on the grid, Christian Horner of Red Bull, sounded more hopeful than many others. He commented on the entire situation that it will certainly be a huge challenge for the decision makers but ‘nothing is ever impossible’.
Nevertheless, the Formula 1 supremo, Ecclestone, assured earlier this week that the race has only been postponed and not cancelled. He insisted that FIA will do all it can to adjust the event somewhere in the calendar.
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