Mike Gascoyne thinks eastern circuits are ‘boring’
In the past few years, more Middle Eastern tracks have been introduced in Formula 1 which are built quite differently as compared to the European tracks.
It seems that venues like Abu Dhabi and Bahrain have set a new ‘benchmark’ for the upcoming tracks as both of these venues are more than just a track. They are built to host a number of events during the Grand Prix weekend including concerts and other social
events.
Other than that, the Yas Marina circuit is without a doubt one of the most beautiful circuits in the sport but Mike Gascoyne believes that these Middle Eastern tracks are not as entertaining as the European or other circuits are.
He believes that the International Automobile Federation (FIA) is trying to make Formula 1 a ‘global’ sport but building ‘boring desert circuits’ in the Middle East is decreasing the sport’s entertainment factor.
“The shame is that, Monaco apart, a lot of the races now that are really boring are all the purpose-designed tracks built in deserts where you could have done absolutely anything that you want,” he said.
Gascoyne recently stated that both Bahrain Grand Prix and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix were ‘dull’ and since Abu Dhabi was the grand finale and Bahrain was the opening race, these two venues were not as entertaining as the rest of the season which was a spectacle
itself.
“You can make an argument that says, 'we had a cracking season last year and why would you want to change anything? Then you could say, 'yes, but we had three or four incredibly boring races,” he told the media.
He added that some of the circuits held phenomenal racing events after which the fans do not want to go to boring races.
However, Mike’s statement is not quite satisfying since the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix or any of the Middle Eastern races in the Formula 1 season is not as ‘boring’ as he says they are. Maybe it is because of the fact that his team was not involved in these events
as much as the top running teams.
Other than that, each year offers a different experience. The 2009 season had many boring races but in 2010, those races were quite entertaining. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for 2011.
Tags: