Bernie wants a race in Argentina

[The FOZ]

...WHY?!

I mean, it's all well and good that he's not letting the sport stagnate with the same schedule and circuits each year, but I feel this is somewhat ridiculous.

It appears to my eye that there is a pattern of behavior here:

1) Bernie hints that he'd like a race in a certain country.
2) Country must shell out $$$$$$ to build/upgrade a circuit.
3) Countries that currently have F1 races are told "shell out $$$$$$ to upgrade/move to a new track, or you lose your spot on the calendar".
4) Countries that spend $$$$$$$ keep their race.
5) Countries that don't spend the $$$$$$$ lose their race.

So either we have a revolving door policy on what country gets a race when, or he's totally changing the water in the fish tank as quickly as possible, getting rid of the "historic" races. Except Monaco, naturally.

Either way, it's a pretty un-sustainable climate, expecting both prospective and current countries to be dumping untold millions into either keeping their race spot or securing one of their own.

Good thing FOM is trying to cut costs in the current economic climate!

[jon-mullen]

I'd be careful, I think there's a few highly placed people on this board that would enjoy an Argentinian race. I actually wouldn't mind traveling for that or Interlagos if Montreal and Indy were out.

[The FOZ]

Perhaps I've mis-stated my point. Let's have another go:

Why, in this supposed current climate of cost-cutting, which is the basis for the large portion of the current FIA/FOTA disagreement, is Bernie trying to get more countries spending money to get a race date on the calendar?

[jon-mullen]

Oh. Because he's a greedy little troll, of course.

[outer_bongolia]

Perhaps I've mis-stated my point. Let's have another go:

Why, in this supposed current climate of cost-cutting, which is the basis for the large portion of the current FIA/FOTA disagreement, is Bernie trying to get more countries spending money to get a race date on the calendar?

Especially with Montreal delaying their commitment until FOTA/F1 problem is solved, this seems very strange:
http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/090622183842.shtml

But then, Ecclestone might be trying to get as many tracks as possible to be tied to him to use against a possible FOTA series.

[Ray]

He's coercing venues to side with him so later he can use that leverage to try and crush the FOTA breakaway. Remember that if any of the current venues have contracts with the FIA and they try to host a race with the FOTA series, the FIA can threaten them with never having an FIA sanctioned event in their country ever again, and any team or driver that breaks from the FIA will never again get a super license or be allowed to race in any FIA controlled series. I'm surprised that the FIA folded so easily, I think it's a move in a very big and dangerous game.

[Belatti]

...WHY?!

I mean, it's all well and good that he's not letting the sport stagnate with the same schedule and circuits each year, but I feel this is somewhat ridiculous.

It appears to my eye that there is a pattern of behavior here:

1) Bernie hints that he'd like a race in a certain country.
2) Country must shell out $$$$$$ to build/upgrade a circuit.
3) Countries that currently have F1 races are told "shell out $$$$$$ to upgrade/move to a new track, or you lose your spot on the calendar".
4) Countries that spend $$$$$$$ keep their race.
5) Countries that don't spend the $$$$$$$ lose their race.

So either we have a revolving door policy on what country gets a race when, or he's totally changing the water in the fish tank as quickly as possible, getting rid of the "historic" races. Except Monaco, naturally.

Either way, it's a pretty un-sustainable climate, expecting both prospective and current countries to be dumping untold millions into either keeping their race spot or securing one of their own.

Good thing FOM is trying to cut costs in the current economic climate!

I got your point, FOZ. And I agree with you.

I'd be careful, I think there's a few highly placed people on this board that would enjoy an Argentinian race. I actually wouldn't mind traveling for that or Interlagos if Montreal and Indy were out.

I would love a Race here, jon. But I have been discussing this subject in a Latin American F1 forum here (there are some Spaniards, too ):
http://www.lamaxima.net/foro/viewtopic.php?t=2046&start=0
and the same questions arised.

We have got a beautiful FIA GT Potrero de los Funes track (although not F1 suitable I think... and would make Spa look like a kart track) and then the old BsAs track... with the old layout that can be repaved, too.

But Bernie wants a new street circuit... millions have to be invested... BY OUR GOVERNMENT... and I have my doubts about the financial return figures

Of course, if it does happen I will be the first to tie myself inside the paddock, on week before the race

[oj1983]

While it would be great to go back to Argentina, I wonder whether Bernie is trying to get an Argentinian race promoter tied to the FIA to stop FOTA going there.

Seems all a bit underhand to me, not that it's in any way a surprise considering his past behavior!

[modbaraban]

Bernie wants a race in Argentina

Who knows. Maybe he can get a seat in TC2000

[ISLAMATRON]

Perhaps I've mis-stated my point. Let's have another go:

Why, in this supposed current climate of cost-cutting, which is the basis for the large portion of the current FIA/FOTA disagreement, is Bernie trying to get more countries spending money to get a race date on the calendar?

They(FOM/FIA) are trying to cut their costs, and retain or increase revenue... its called business... they dont care what the countries have to shell out... it is up to the countries to ensure a good ROI

[dave34m]

I think bernies just trying to be everbodies friend so they will include him in the new series. Hes already flip flopped on Silverstone, not long ago he said Britain would not have a GP if the new circuit wasn't ready, now he wants to stay at Silverstone.

Hes just a very annoying little man who has had things his own way for far too long. The fans are sick of putting up with his --- and he is just now starting to realise that it all may be over.