Post here all non technical related topics about Formula One. This includes race results, discussions, testing analysis etc. TV coverage and other personal questions should be in Off topic chat.
I voted Valencia and Bahrain. Valencia hasn't produced anything really remarkable in two years (Singapore at least had a scandal), and doesn't show the best parts of the city. Dropping that race would also save a bit of my taxes by the time I pay them back again in Spain, as well. In case you're interested, quite a few politicians in that area are linked with a corruption scandal. I'm sure Bernie isn't, as long as he gets his money.
My second choice was Bahrain. Never liked the circuit, and as a seson opener I think we have much better options. The recent changes didn't really work in my opinion.
I am not amazed by F1 cars in Monaco. I want to see them driving in the A8 highway: Variable radius corners, negative banking, and extreme narrowings that Tilke has never dreamed off. Oh, yes, and "beautiful" weather tops it all.
"Prediction is very difficult, especially about the future." Niels Bohr
Monaco will be there forever and it is important that the cars race on road courses as well. The racing isn't that good for passing (remember Bernoldi/Coulthard?). Once F1 gets a grip on radically altering the car's aero/mechanical grip ratio we will have overtaking again. Indy cars routinely pass of courses much more restrictive than Monaco so it is possible. I think the teams need to get a little out of their mold. Real suspension travel and 18" tires shouldn't be resisted. No matter what the configuration the teams will still need to fully use their tunnels and CFD so why the resistance to meaningful changes in the aero/mech grip ratio?
Silverstone is one of the best tracks currently in regards to overtaking so it should stay. Valencia is a prime candidate for getting dumped. Add the Portugal track or return to a revived A1-Ring (Didi will put in whatever it takes to make it first class).
Innovation over refinement is the prefered path to performance. -- Get rid of the dopey regs in F1
Turkey would be a shame to go. It is currently the third best circuit after Spa and Suzuka in terms of good corners and elevation changes. The track also produces good races and overtaking. There are many other tracks that are rubbish. Both Spanish tracks come to mind.
I don't agree with limiting F1 to 20 races. 24 would be much better and I believe that they will start increasing them after a short break for the 2013 concord negotiations. Teams and Ecclestone tend to keep the race schedule fixed when they have talks about the profit split. When that is fixed they focus on making more money from the given formula. Inevitably they also look at more races.
Formula One's fundamental ethos is about success coming to those with the most ingenious engineering and best ..............................organization, not to those with the biggest budget. (Dave Richards)
Valencia, hockemhein and turkey and shanghai all should be dropped from the calendar.
Bring in Polish GP.
I hope Japan GP (Suzuka circuit) would be staying because it is such a great place to race and esspecially when I play F1 2010 on my PS3.
Im gonna go thrugh all the tracks on the callander at current;
Bahrain: Safe untill 2016, but is expected to change the track a couple of times for a single yearor two to keep things fresh.
Australia: Albert park is out-dated and obsolette, for the Victoria government to keep the GP they intend to move the GP to a purpose built facility before or in 2017. Safe untill 2015.
Malasia: Safe untill 2015, but track and pit facilities need to be improved from what the drivers and teams said this year.
China: Deal runs out at the end of 2011 and is unlikley to be renewed unless a new Beijing track can be found for 2012. Likley to be dropped.
Spain: Safe untill 2016, but questions over pit facilities have been raised since 2008, and also the fact the track needs a tweak for another overtaking zone have been discussed.
Monaco: Safe forever, who ditches Monaco is both an idiot and stupid in my opinion, youo cannot have a F1 championship without Monaco, thats like NASCAR without Daytona.
Turkey: Safe for next year, but without a significant pick-up in spectator attendance, its doomed for the drop.
Canada: Safe untill 2012, but needs a USA GP to happen in 2012 to make it viable for the F1 circuis to go there, otherwise, sadly doomed. Also needs new pit facilities as well.
Valencia: Safe untill 2014, but 2011 could be the last one as track isnt liked by drivers and locals dont really likle the disruption.
Britian: Silverstone has delivered new investment in the track, and has virtually made the "Home" race of F1 safe untill 2026.
Germany: Has 2 tracks, Hockenheim and Nurburgring, Nurburgring has nothing to improve except maybe Weather, Hockenheim however is on a financial knife edge, and needs new pit facilities, the owners and local government have thought about returning to the old layout for Hockenheim. Safe under venue switch until 2018.
Hungary: Safe untill 2016, but like many, needs new pit facilities. Also a track tweak where Massa went off into the wall has been thought of as well.
Belgum: Spa this year has said as of 2012 it will need to share with Nurburgring for a GP in that region. Rumors persist of the track getting shortend at Phuon to Blanchamont have been also mooted.
Italy: Safe till 2016, but like many more European tracks, the pit facilities need improving to "Silverstone" standards.
Singapore: Safe untill 2012, but a new deal untill 2021 should be announced soon. Also the track layout will probably be tweaked from 2012.
Japan: Deal runs out next year, but is likley to sign a new deal as Japan and F1 need each other. However with the recent Japaneese pull outs, it may have changed. Only way it would work is if a Japaneese manufacturer came back, even in a engine supply basis only, and with the nurturing of Kobiyashai tallent, should mean that Japan is safe. Track is of standard and pit facilities have recently been modrenised and continues to enjoy investment.
Korea: Safe untill 2012, but needs to impress next year to save its deal for 2013. This year will be decent, but basic. Should mature, time will tell.
Brazil: Track needs slightly lengthened to take about 65 laps at a track length of 4.75km, and whilst they are at it, new pit facilities are needed.
Abu Dhabi: Safe untill 2012, but steady build up of track will see the track here for times to come. Track has been praised as posibly the best Tilke track outside Istanbul.
Personally id like to see the callander increased to 22 races, but make race distances either 250km "sprints" 320km races that are normal race distances, and five 400km races that are "endurance" length.
Id also like to see more back-to-backs as well, but three 3-week breaks introduced as well, where major updates are introduced.
