Looks like the Vietnam GP is off next year too. As the person who was the local driving force for the race has been arrested, the race increasingly looks unlikely in the future.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/54879815
Likewise. I'm not a fan of street circuits, so really not too upset about this one. I know it's a ridiculous expense, but I'd rather see new GP happen on great new tracks that can produce some exciting racing.LHamilton wrote: ↑10 Nov 2020, 03:11I don't mind. I found the track to be rather boring to drive (F1 2020). Should point out that, that version might not be identical to the real thing in terms of exact layout. Sector 1 was garbage though on the game. And the rest of the track wasn't that satisfying to drive either. If I were to guess, the races on tv wouldn't be much better either. So better to leave space for another track.
And it does make sense for F1 purely in a business/money sense as well. Go where the money is. It's just a shame that it comes at the expense of some great and traditional European races which don't get government or immense private financial backing.Just_a_fan wrote: ↑10 Nov 2020, 11:15We have Bernie to thank for the rise of these weird races. He managed to set up a model where the circuits paid F1 to use their facilities. Think about it - it's the equivalent of going on holiday and having the hotel pay you to stay there.
Quite why anyone fell for it is beyond me. I guess there were enough egotistical leaders in enough countries that were happy to pay Bernie in order to make themselves look good. Once that route had been opened up, the traditional circuits were at risk and some were lost from the calendar.
Why go to Vietnam, or Saudi Arabia or Bahrain when we can use classic tracks like Imola? Only one reason - the leaders of those countries are willing to pay for the reflected glory that hosting an F1 race brings to them (or they think it does).
It doesn't make sense if it results in people being turned off the sport, however. There's no prestige for these places if there's no one watching because the tracks result in poor racing.El Scorchio wrote: ↑10 Nov 2020, 12:12And it does make sense for F1 purely in a business/money sense as well. Go where the money is. It's just a shame that it comes at the expense of some great and traditional European races which don't get government or immense private financial backing.
Agree with that! I suppose it's whatever F1 decide is their best way forward- immediate cash in their pocket or the best possible product for the audience. In their defence though, a lot of the tracks in more prestigious places don't always make for the best racing either. My feeling is that a 'good' circuit with a chance for good racing should be part of the package for any new GP. I know Liberty have a minor obsession with bringing races to city centres but that usually means crappy street tracks. I'd much prefer anything new to be at a purpose built facility, although I get for the hosts it's infinitely cheaper to make a temporary street circuit and show off their cityscape than also invest hundreds of millions on a venue.Just_a_fan wrote: ↑10 Nov 2020, 12:47It doesn't make sense if it results in people being turned off the sport, however. There's no prestige for these places if there's no one watching because the tracks result in poor racing.El Scorchio wrote: ↑10 Nov 2020, 12:12And it does make sense for F1 purely in a business/money sense as well. Go where the money is. It's just a shame that it comes at the expense of some great and traditional European races which don't get government or immense private financial backing.
It was like the Korean grand prix track. Instantly forgettable apart from a long straight.LHamilton wrote: ↑10 Nov 2020, 03:11I don't mind. I found the track to be rather boring to drive (F1 2020). Should point out that, that version might not be identical to the real thing in terms of exact layout. Sector 1 was garbage though on the game. And the rest of the track wasn't that satisfying to drive either. If I were to guess, the races on tv wouldn't be much better either. So better to leave space for another track.
Portimao should become a defacto track now, the race there was too good.