• =?UTF-8?Q?10_OTHER_OPTIONS_FOR_F1=e2=80=99S_2023_CALENDAR_GAP?=

    From a425couple@21:1/5 to All on Sat Dec 17 11:34:26 2022
    from https://the-race.com/formula-1/10-other-options-for-f1s-2023-calendar-gap/?fbclid=IwAR2fNQjWxm_P1I-lqM6wPFm53xUeNUfm7JvG5CTstEgGK5OpT3pMkcnIYBw

    10 OTHER OPTIONS FOR F1’S 2023 CALENDAR GAP
    Dec 15 2022
    By Scott Mitchell-Malm
    134 Comments

    The Chinese Grand Prix has been called off yet again for the 2023 season
    and we know that Formula 1 bosses are chasing a replacement to keep the calendar at 24 races.

    China was named on the initial 2023 F1 calendar but will not happen
    because of the issues around hosting the event like normal due to the country’s ongoing COVID issues.

    The most linked venue in recent weeks has been the Portimao circuit,
    which hosted grands prix in 2020 and 2021. The Portugal promoter is
    believed to have the funding to pull off another grand prix and is
    widely considered the leading candidate.

    It is an all-round solid option for a relatively late-notice stand-in,
    and seems the most likely at this stage (assuming China does indeed get replaced).

    But a stand-out favourite to join the calendar doesn’t stop us from
    dreaming, especially as F1’s keen to play up the fact more options exist
    – and rightly so, because there are loads of fun candidates out there.

    F1 is likely to have a very small shortlist but a range of circuits have
    been temporary options during the COVID-19 pandemic and we think there
    are loads more viable candidates.

    Although with some of our suggestions for other ways F1 could consider replacing China, it may have to get a bit more creative, or be willing
    to sacrifice a few million dollars as well…

    ADELAIDE
    Acc

    Let’s start with an option that’s probably not on any F1 long-list for
    2023 or beyond: Adelaide.

    Australian fans had to sit through having no race at all in 2020 and
    2021 so this would be a nice reward for them as well as a throwback to a classic venue, and the city itself was tentatively interested in
    reviving the race a few years ago. Though last used by F1 in 1995, it’s
    still part of the Supercars calendar.

    Broc Feeney/red Bull Ampol Racing

    But there’s one thing that stood out about Adelaide for us, and it’s in
    the interest of sustainability – a powerful buzzword in F1.

    The China gap follows the Australian GP in the 2023 schedule. Staying
    put for an Aussie double-header would give some sustainability
    credibility to the F1 schedule, as frankly it is ridiculous for F1 to
    travel all the way to Melbourne for a one-off, without even having an
    Asian or Middle Eastern race to pair it with.

    SEPANG
    Motor Racing Formula One World Championship Malaysian Grand Prix Race
    Day Sepang, Malaysia

    Whenever the subject of a potential replacement race comes up in F1,
    Sepang is always a popular shout.

    The Malaysian Grand Prix hasn’t been held since 2017 because crowd
    numbers were not considered good enough compared to the rising cost of
    hosting the event.

    So, it’s never actually done a deal in the Liberty Media era. But in
    just a few years, several F1 races have gone from struggling to selling
    out tickets.

    The championship’s popularity has never been greater, so a Malaysian GP
    could be a very different story in 2023. And Sepang is a mega track,
    which should still be hosting F1.

    Unfortunately, there still doesn’t seem to be much appetite from circuit bosses to bring F1 back, at least in the short-term, largely thanks to
    the economic impact of the pandemic.

    F1 doesn’t need to convince countries to hold a race given demand is
    massive but this would be a brilliant one to change its tactic for, to
    try to tempt back into the fold.

    ISTANBUL
    Motor Racing Formula One World Championship Turkish Grand Prix Race Day Istanbul, Turkey

    The Turkish Grand Prix at Istanbul returned twice in two COVID-hit
    seasons and can be presumed to be a keen candidate.

    It was very interested in striking a long-term deal with F1 beyond the
    last of those races in 2021.

    However, while the circuit was once something of a modern classic, its
    years of minimal use have taken their toll and the infrastructure isn’t really viewed as F1-level anymore.

    It remains a good solution if F1 finds itself in a hole, could benefit
    from some state funding, and is more realistic than some others we’re suggesting here.

    SEOUL

    Seoul E-Prix Formula EA slightly different variation on the theme for
    this one: how about not necessarily replacing China for 2023 and
    switching priorities, even if it has to be a longer-term move?

    F1 has a lot of interest in racing in Seoul (NOT on the track that
    hosted the Formula E season finale, pictured above) and the South Korean capital is just as interested in welcoming the championship.

    A new race, even a street track, is not going to be ready by April 2023
    and maybe not even later in the year. So, a like-for-like China 2023 replacement probably isn’t possible.

    But F1’s trying to rebuild its presence in Asia after the COVID-hit
    years and South Korea is a great candidate for F1 to prioritise in the
    east longer-term.

    There would be worse announcements than to hear F1 is shooting for the
    moon with Seoul and seeing what’s possible – whether that’s for 2023 or, much more realistically, beyond.

    HOCKENHEIM OR NURBURGRING

    Motor Racing Formula One World Championship German Grand Prix Race Day Hockenheim, Germany

    F1 is slowly evolving the spread of its calendar and that means European
    races are falling away.

    While the money coming in from the Middle East and the growth
    opportunities seen in the US and Asia appeal to F1, championship bosses
    know that its spiritual heartland is crucial.

    The German market is particularly important, so the decline of its
    presence has been regrettable to F1.

    With Sebastian Vettel and Mick Schumacher leaving the grid at the same
    time, Germany’s relevance has depleted further – even with Nico
    Hulkenberg returning.

    Motor Racing Formula One World Championship Eifel Grand Prix Race Day Nurbugring, Germany

    F1 isn’t thrilled about that, so why not try to bring back the German
    Grand Prix?

    Doing a one-off, favourable deal for either Hockenheim or Nurburgring to
    come back in 2023 would be a valid way of tapping into the German market
    and seeing if there’s enough interest to revive the race full-time as
    part of F1’s current boom.

    KYALAMI
    South Africa Grand Prix Kyalami (rsa) 13 15 10 1983

    F1 has wanted to add a race in South Africa for a few years now and it
    looked as though this could happen as early as next year.

    F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali even travelled to Kyalami earlier this year
    with the hope a deal could be struck for the race to be held in April 2023.

    But negotiations dragged on without resolution and it is believed that
    the promoters didn’t convince F1 that the race could be guaranteed
    beyond just one year.

    South African GP F1 contender Kyalami

    It wouldn’t work for F1 to celebrate the return of South Africa to the schedule only for it to disappear after one edition.

    But if it’s brought in as a standalone, it could act as a litmus test of
    the interest in the race and its viability and be perfectly viable to
    frame it as a one-off.

    BUDDH
    Motor Racing Formula One World Championship Indian Grand Prix Race Day
    New Delhi, India

    The circuit outside Delhi only staged three grands prix and none of them
    were classics but it was one of the better modern circuits to have
    appeared on the F1 calendar in the 21st century, even drawing
    comparisons to Spa and Suzuka from drivers as esteemed as Lewis Hamilton
    and Jenson Button.

    A return to India would be welcome. There’s a lot to like about it and
    going back there would add lustre to the world championship and a race
    in a country with a lot of F1 interest, not to mention offer a
    replacement for China that’s still in Asia – even if it’s not a like-for-like swap in the east.

    The circuit has remained in use and will even be a slightly surprising
    part of the 2023 MotoGP calendar.

    That means it still has international aspirations, and the means to
    fulfil them. So, who’s to say a second crack at F1 is impossible?

    PAUL RICARD
    Motor Racing Formula One World Championship French Grand Prix Race Day
    Paul Ricard, France

    The reported impending closure of the company that has promoted the
    French Grand Prix since 2018 isn’t a particularly encouraging start for
    this suggestion.

    France was on the calendar until this season and has fallen off because
    it lacks massive financial support, has had logistical issues related to circuit access, and never really wowed drivers and fans.

    But Paul Ricard is a permanent and high-quality facility, perfectly
    equipped to host F1, with recent experience of what’s needed and
    investment in improving the problems around the event.

    As far as ‘plug-in-and-play’ host venues go, it is extremely practical.

    DON’T BOTHER
    Motor Racing Formula One World Championship Chinese Grand Prix Race Day Shanghai, China

    Some might argue that doing nothing is the best option. F1’s bloated
    calendar is a very divisive topic, after all.

    F1 is keen to replace China on the existing schedule because of the gap
    that would be left in the calendar if that slot stays empty.

    China was meant to hold a standalone event on April 16, between the
    races in Australia and Azerbaijan.



    One idea is to not replace China and bring Azerbaijan forward one week
    to April 23, which would also free the Baku race from an awkward
    back-to-back with Miami.

    It is understood that there was resistance to this from the Baku
    promoter, so this idea could be dead in the water.

    It would be a shame if so, as it would be a nice compromise that
    maintains the rhythm of the calendar, eradicates a rubbish
    double-header, and proves F1 is willing to forego extra races if necessary.

    WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THIS STORY?
    Brilliant
    Good
    Not for me

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From News@21:1/5 to All on Mon Dec 19 08:46:04 2022
    On 12/17/2022 2:34 PM, a425couple wrote:
    from https://the-race.com/formula-1/10-other-options-for-f1s-2023-calendar-gap/?fbclid=IwAR2fNQjWxm_P1I-lqM6wPFm53xUeNUfm7JvG5CTstEgGK5OpT3pMkcnIYBw

    10 OTHER OPTIONS FOR F1’S 2023 CALENDAR GAP
    Dec 15 2022
    By Scott Mitchell-Malm
     134 Comments

    The Chinese Grand Prix has been called off yet again for the 2023 season
    and we know that Formula 1 bosses are chasing a replacement to keep the calendar at 24 races.

    China was named on the initial 2023 F1 calendar but will not happen
    because of the issues around hosting the event like normal due to the country’s ongoing COVID issues.

    The most linked venue in recent weeks has been the Portimao circuit,
    which hosted grands prix in 2020 and 2021. The Portugal promoter is
    believed to have the funding to pull off another grand prix and is
    widely considered the leading candidate.

    It is an all-round solid option for a relatively late-notice stand-in,
    and seems the most likely at this stage (assuming China does indeed get replaced).

    But a stand-out favourite to join the calendar doesn’t stop us from dreaming, especially as F1’s keen to play up the fact more options exist – and rightly so, because there are loads of fun candidates out there.

    F1 is likely to have a very small shortlist but a range of circuits have
    been temporary options during the COVID-19 pandemic and we think there
    are loads more viable candidates.

    Although with some of our suggestions for other ways F1 could consider replacing China, it may have to get a bit more creative, or be willing
    to sacrifice a few million dollars as well…

    ADELAIDE
    Acc

    Let’s start with an option that’s probably not on any F1 long-list for 2023 or beyond: Adelaide.

    Australian fans had to sit through having no race at all in 2020 and
    2021 so this would be a nice reward for them as well as a throwback to a classic venue, and the city itself was tentatively interested in
    reviving the race a few years ago. Though last used by F1 in 1995, it’s still part of the Supercars calendar.

    Broc Feeney/red Bull Ampol Racing

    But there’s one thing that stood out about Adelaide for us, and it’s in the interest of sustainability – a powerful buzzword in F1.

    The China gap follows the Australian GP in the 2023 schedule. Staying
    put for an Aussie double-header would give some sustainability
    credibility to the F1 schedule, as frankly it is ridiculous for F1 to
    travel all the way to Melbourne for a one-off, without even having an
    Asian or Middle Eastern race to pair it with.

    SEPANG
    Motor Racing Formula One World Championship Malaysian Grand Prix Race
    Day Sepang, Malaysia

    Whenever the subject of a potential replacement race comes up in F1,
    Sepang is always a popular shout.

    The Malaysian Grand Prix hasn’t been held since 2017 because crowd
    numbers were not considered good enough compared to the rising cost of hosting the event.

    So, it’s never actually done a deal in the Liberty Media era. But in
    just a few years, several F1 races have gone from struggling to selling
    out tickets.

    The championship’s popularity has never been greater, so a Malaysian GP could be a very different story in 2023. And Sepang is a mega track,
    which should still be hosting F1.

    Unfortunately, there still doesn’t seem to be much appetite from circuit bosses to bring F1 back, at least in the short-term, largely thanks to
    the economic impact of the pandemic.

    F1 doesn’t need to convince countries to hold a race given demand is massive but this would be a brilliant one to change its tactic for, to
    try to tempt back into the fold.

    ISTANBUL
    Motor Racing Formula One World Championship Turkish Grand Prix Race Day Istanbul, Turkey

    The Turkish Grand Prix at Istanbul returned twice in two COVID-hit
    seasons and can be presumed to be a keen candidate.

    It was very interested in striking a long-term deal with F1 beyond the
    last of those races in 2021.

    However, while the circuit was once something of a modern classic, its
    years of minimal use have taken their toll and the infrastructure isn’t really viewed as F1-level anymore.

    It remains a good solution if F1 finds itself in a hole, could benefit
    from some state funding, and is more realistic than some others we’re suggesting here.

    SEOUL

    Seoul E-Prix Formula EA slightly different variation on the theme for
    this one: how about not necessarily replacing China for 2023 and
    switching priorities, even if it has to be a longer-term move?

    F1 has a lot of interest in racing in Seoul (NOT on the track that
    hosted the Formula E season finale, pictured above) and the South Korean capital is just as interested in welcoming the championship.

    A new race, even a street track, is not going to be ready by April 2023
    and maybe not even later in the year. So, a like-for-like China 2023 replacement probably isn’t possible.

    But F1’s trying to rebuild its presence in Asia after the COVID-hit
    years and South Korea is a great candidate for F1 to prioritise in the
    east longer-term.

    There would be worse announcements than to hear F1 is shooting for the
    moon with Seoul and seeing what’s possible – whether that’s for 2023 or,
    much more realistically, beyond.

    HOCKENHEIM OR NURBURGRING

    Motor Racing Formula One World Championship German Grand Prix Race Day Hockenheim, Germany

    F1 is slowly evolving the spread of its calendar and that means European races are falling away.

    While the money coming in from the Middle East and the growth
    opportunities seen in the US and Asia appeal to F1, championship bosses
    know that its spiritual heartland is crucial.

    The German market is particularly important, so the decline of its
    presence has been regrettable to F1.

    With Sebastian Vettel and Mick Schumacher leaving the grid at the same
    time, Germany’s relevance has depleted further – even with Nico Hulkenberg returning.

    Motor Racing Formula One World Championship Eifel Grand Prix Race Day Nurbugring, Germany

    F1 isn’t thrilled about that, so why not try to bring back the German
    Grand Prix?

    Doing a one-off, favourable deal for either Hockenheim or Nurburgring to
    come back in 2023 would be a valid way of tapping into the German market
    and seeing if there’s enough interest to revive the race full-time as
    part of F1’s current boom.

    KYALAMI
    South Africa Grand Prix Kyalami (rsa) 13 15 10 1983

    F1 has wanted to add a race in South Africa for a few years now and it
    looked as though this could happen as early as next year.

    F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali even travelled to Kyalami earlier this year
    with the hope a deal could be struck for the race to be held in April 2023.

    But negotiations dragged on without resolution and it is believed that
    the promoters didn’t convince F1 that the race could be guaranteed
    beyond just one year.

    South African GP F1 contender Kyalami

    It wouldn’t work for F1 to celebrate the return of South Africa to the schedule only for it to disappear after one edition.

    But if it’s brought in as a standalone, it could act as a litmus test of the interest in the race and its viability and be perfectly viable to
    frame it as a one-off.

    BUDDH
    Motor Racing Formula One World Championship Indian Grand Prix Race Day
    New Delhi, India

    The circuit outside Delhi only staged three grands prix and none of them
    were classics but it was one of the better modern circuits to have
    appeared on the F1 calendar in the 21st century, even drawing
    comparisons to Spa and Suzuka from drivers as esteemed as Lewis Hamilton
    and Jenson Button.

    A return to India would be welcome. There’s a lot to like about it and going back there would add lustre to the world championship and a race
    in a country with a lot of F1 interest, not to mention offer a
    replacement for China that’s still in Asia – even if it’s not a like-for-like swap in the east.

    The circuit has remained in use and will even be a slightly surprising
    part of the 2023 MotoGP calendar.

    That means it still has international aspirations, and the means to
    fulfil them. So, who’s to say a second crack at F1 is impossible?

    PAUL RICARD
    Motor Racing Formula One World Championship French Grand Prix Race Day
    Paul Ricard, France

    The reported impending closure of the company that has promoted the
    French Grand Prix since 2018 isn’t a particularly encouraging start for this suggestion.

    France was on the calendar until this season and has fallen off because
    it lacks massive financial support, has had logistical issues related to circuit access, and never really wowed drivers and fans.

    But Paul Ricard is a permanent and high-quality facility, perfectly
    equipped to host F1, with recent experience of what’s needed and
    investment in improving the problems around the event.

    As far as ‘plug-in-and-play’ host venues go, it is extremely practical.

    DON’T BOTHER
    Motor Racing Formula One World Championship Chinese Grand Prix Race Day Shanghai, China

    Some might argue that doing nothing is the best option. F1’s bloated calendar is a very divisive topic, after all.

    F1 is keen to replace China on the existing schedule because of the gap
    that would be left in the calendar if that slot stays empty.

    China was meant to hold a standalone event on April 16, between the
    races in Australia and Azerbaijan.



    One idea is to not replace China and bring Azerbaijan forward one week
    to April 23, which would also free the Baku race from an awkward
    back-to-back with Miami.

    It is understood that there was resistance to this from the Baku
    promoter, so this idea could be dead in the water.

    It would be a shame if so, as it would be a nice compromise that
    maintains the rhythm of the calendar, eradicates a rubbish
    double-header, and proves F1 is willing to forego extra races if necessary.

    WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THIS STORY?
    Brilliant
    Good
    Not for me


    Would love to see F1 back at Watkins Glen, but the timing won't work.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Carl Keehn@21:1/5 to All on Tue Dec 20 07:39:30 2022
    On 12/17/2022 2:34 PM, a425couple wrote:
    from https://the-race.com/formula-1/10-other-options-for-f1s-2023-calendar-gap/?fbclid=IwAR2fNQjWxm_P1I-lqM6wPFm53xUeNUfm7JvG5CTstEgGK5OpT3pMkcnIYBw

    10 OTHER OPTIONS FOR F1’S 2023 CALENDAR GAP
    Dec 15 2022
    By Scott Mitchell-Malm
     134 Comments

    The Chinese Grand Prix has been called off yet again for the 2023 season
    and we know that Formula 1 bosses are chasing a replacement to keep the calendar at 24 races.

    China was named on the initial 2023 F1 calendar but will not happen
    because of the issues around hosting the event like normal due to the country’s ongoing COVID issues.

    The most linked venue in recent weeks has been the Portimao circuit,
    which hosted grands prix in 2020 and 2021. The Portugal promoter is
    believed to have the funding to pull off another grand prix and is
    widely considered the leading candidate.

    It is an all-round solid option for a relatively late-notice stand-in,
    and seems the most likely at this stage (assuming China does indeed get replaced).

    But a stand-out favourite to join the calendar doesn’t stop us from dreaming, especially as F1’s keen to play up the fact more options exist – and rightly so, because there are loads of fun candidates out there.

    F1 is likely to have a very small shortlist but a range of circuits have
    been temporary options during the COVID-19 pandemic and we think there
    are loads more viable candidates.

    Although with some of our suggestions for other ways F1 could consider replacing China, it may have to get a bit more creative, or be willing
    to sacrifice a few million dollars as well…

    ADELAIDE
    Acc

    Let’s start with an option that’s probably not on any F1 long-list for 2023 or beyond: Adelaide.

    Australian fans had to sit through having no race at all in 2020 and
    2021 so this would be a nice reward for them as well as a throwback to a classic venue, and the city itself was tentatively interested in
    reviving the race a few years ago. Though last used by F1 in 1995, it’s still part of the Supercars calendar.

    Broc Feeney/red Bull Ampol Racing

    But there’s one thing that stood out about Adelaide for us, and it’s in the interest of sustainability – a powerful buzzword in F1.

    The China gap follows the Australian GP in the 2023 schedule. Staying
    put for an Aussie double-header would give some sustainability
    credibility to the F1 schedule, as frankly it is ridiculous for F1 to
    travel all the way to Melbourne for a one-off, without even having an
    Asian or Middle Eastern race to pair it with.

    SEPANG
    Motor Racing Formula One World Championship Malaysian Grand Prix Race
    Day Sepang, Malaysia

    Whenever the subject of a potential replacement race comes up in F1,
    Sepang is always a popular shout.

    The Malaysian Grand Prix hasn’t been held since 2017 because crowd
    numbers were not considered good enough compared to the rising cost of hosting the event.

    So, it’s never actually done a deal in the Liberty Media era. But in
    just a few years, several F1 races have gone from struggling to selling
    out tickets.

    The championship’s popularity has never been greater, so a Malaysian GP could be a very different story in 2023. And Sepang is a mega track,
    which should still be hosting F1.

    Unfortunately, there still doesn’t seem to be much appetite from circuit bosses to bring F1 back, at least in the short-term, largely thanks to
    the economic impact of the pandemic.

    F1 doesn’t need to convince countries to hold a race given demand is massive but this would be a brilliant one to change its tactic for, to
    try to tempt back into the fold.

    ISTANBUL
    Motor Racing Formula One World Championship Turkish Grand Prix Race Day Istanbul, Turkey

    The Turkish Grand Prix at Istanbul returned twice in two COVID-hit
    seasons and can be presumed to be a keen candidate.

    It was very interested in striking a long-term deal with F1 beyond the
    last of those races in 2021.

    However, while the circuit was once something of a modern classic, its
    years of minimal use have taken their toll and the infrastructure isn’t really viewed as F1-level anymore.

    It remains a good solution if F1 finds itself in a hole, could benefit
    from some state funding, and is more realistic than some others we’re suggesting here.

    SEOUL

    Seoul E-Prix Formula EA slightly different variation on the theme for
    this one: how about not necessarily replacing China for 2023 and
    switching priorities, even if it has to be a longer-term move?

    F1 has a lot of interest in racing in Seoul (NOT on the track that
    hosted the Formula E season finale, pictured above) and the South Korean capital is just as interested in welcoming the championship.

    A new race, even a street track, is not going to be ready by April 2023
    and maybe not even later in the year. So, a like-for-like China 2023 replacement probably isn’t possible.

    But F1’s trying to rebuild its presence in Asia after the COVID-hit
    years and South Korea is a great candidate for F1 to prioritise in the
    east longer-term.

    There would be worse announcements than to hear F1 is shooting for the
    moon with Seoul and seeing what’s possible – whether that’s for 2023 or,
    much more realistically, beyond.

    HOCKENHEIM OR NURBURGRING

    Motor Racing Formula One World Championship German Grand Prix Race Day Hockenheim, Germany

    F1 is slowly evolving the spread of its calendar and that means European races are falling away.

    While the money coming in from the Middle East and the growth
    opportunities seen in the US and Asia appeal to F1, championship bosses
    know that its spiritual heartland is crucial.

    The German market is particularly important, so the decline of its
    presence has been regrettable to F1.

    With Sebastian Vettel and Mick Schumacher leaving the grid at the same
    time, Germany’s relevance has depleted further – even with Nico Hulkenberg returning.

    Motor Racing Formula One World Championship Eifel Grand Prix Race Day Nurbugring, Germany

    F1 isn’t thrilled about that, so why not try to bring back the German
    Grand Prix?

    Doing a one-off, favourable deal for either Hockenheim or Nurburgring to
    come back in 2023 would be a valid way of tapping into the German market
    and seeing if there’s enough interest to revive the race full-time as
    part of F1’s current boom.

    KYALAMI
    South Africa Grand Prix Kyalami (rsa) 13 15 10 1983

    F1 has wanted to add a race in South Africa for a few years now and it
    looked as though this could happen as early as next year.

    F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali even travelled to Kyalami earlier this year
    with the hope a deal could be struck for the race to be held in April 2023.

    But negotiations dragged on without resolution and it is believed that
    the promoters didn’t convince F1 that the race could be guaranteed
    beyond just one year.

    South African GP F1 contender Kyalami

    It wouldn’t work for F1 to celebrate the return of South Africa to the schedule only for it to disappear after one edition.

    But if it’s brought in as a standalone, it could act as a litmus test of the interest in the race and its viability and be perfectly viable to
    frame it as a one-off.

    BUDDH
    Motor Racing Formula One World Championship Indian Grand Prix Race Day
    New Delhi, India

    The circuit outside Delhi only staged three grands prix and none of them
    were classics but it was one of the better modern circuits to have
    appeared on the F1 calendar in the 21st century, even drawing
    comparisons to Spa and Suzuka from drivers as esteemed as Lewis Hamilton
    and Jenson Button.

    A return to India would be welcome. There’s a lot to like about it and going back there would add lustre to the world championship and a race
    in a country with a lot of F1 interest, not to mention offer a
    replacement for China that’s still in Asia – even if it’s not a like-for-like swap in the east.

    The circuit has remained in use and will even be a slightly surprising
    part of the 2023 MotoGP calendar.

    That means it still has international aspirations, and the means to
    fulfil them. So, who’s to say a second crack at F1 is impossible?

    PAUL RICARD
    Motor Racing Formula One World Championship French Grand Prix Race Day
    Paul Ricard, France

    The reported impending closure of the company that has promoted the
    French Grand Prix since 2018 isn’t a particularly encouraging start for this suggestion.

    France was on the calendar until this season and has fallen off because
    it lacks massive financial support, has had logistical issues related to circuit access, and never really wowed drivers and fans.

    But Paul Ricard is a permanent and high-quality facility, perfectly
    equipped to host F1, with recent experience of what’s needed and
    investment in improving the problems around the event.

    As far as ‘plug-in-and-play’ host venues go, it is extremely practical.

    DON’T BOTHER
    Motor Racing Formula One World Championship Chinese Grand Prix Race Day Shanghai, China

    Some might argue that doing nothing is the best option. F1’s bloated calendar is a very divisive topic, after all.

    F1 is keen to replace China on the existing schedule because of the gap
    that would be left in the calendar if that slot stays empty.

    China was meant to hold a standalone event on April 16, between the
    races in Australia and Azerbaijan.



    One idea is to not replace China and bring Azerbaijan forward one week
    to April 23, which would also free the Baku race from an awkward
    back-to-back with Miami.

    It is understood that there was resistance to this from the Baku
    promoter, so this idea could be dead in the water.

    It would be a shame if so, as it would be a nice compromise that
    maintains the rhythm of the calendar, eradicates a rubbish
    double-header, and proves F1 is willing to forego extra races if necessary.

    WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THIS STORY?
    Brilliant
    Good
    Not for me
    What happened to Vietnam. It keeps dropping off the calendar. I'd love
    to see it reinstated.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From a425couple@21:1/5 to Carl Keehn on Tue Dec 20 13:03:28 2022
    On 12/20/22 04:39, Carl Keehn wrote:
    On 12/17/2022 2:34 PM, a425couple wrote:
    from
    https://the-race.com/formula-1/10-other-options-for-f1s-2023-calendar-gap/?fbclid=IwAR2fNQjWxm_P1I-lqM6wPFm53xUeNUfm7JvG5CTstEgGK5OpT3pMkcnIYBw

    10 OTHER OPTIONS FOR F1’S 2023 CALENDAR GAP
    Dec 15 2022
    By Scott Mitchell-Malm


    What happened to Vietnam.  It keeps dropping off the calendar.  I'd love
    to see it reinstated.

    (I still remember some of the impressions we all got hit with
    when they opened that airplane door. Heat, humidity, that
    strong earthly smell.....)

    Well,, back in Oct. 2022 they put out: https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/10/13/vietnam-grand-prix-dream-fades-after-mayor-arrested/

    VIETNAM F1 DREAM FADES AFTER HANOI MAYOR ARREST
    AFP 13 October, 2022 6 Comments

    vietnam grand prix f1 abandoned hanoi

    Fenced off to the public and dotted with plastic waste, Hanoi’s motor
    race circuit lies largely abandoned while hopes fade that Vietnam’s
    capital will ever host a Formula 1 grand prix with the main supporter of
    the project in jail.
    Hanoi was set to make its F1 debut in 2020 but the inaugural Vietnamese
    Grand Prix was cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and Hanoi has
    not appeared on the race calendar since.

    Now, the spectator stands have been removed and most of the circuit sits
    empty – save a few hobby cyclists who sneak in, lured by the open space
    in the traffic-clogged city.

    They race past yellowing grass, weeds and trash blown in by the wind,
    but the track itself appears like new, with “Vietnam” still clearly
    visible where it was painted on the tarmac.

    Outside the surrounding metal fence, Hanoi’s ubiquitous motorbikes have already reclaimed the roads once earmarked to form part of the
    5.6-kilometre (3.5-mile) track.

    Vietnam inked a 10-year deal with Formula 1 in 2018, betting that the
    glamour of the sport could reshape Hanoi’s staid image, and reflect the country’s economic liftoff.

    Costing Vietnam $60 million a year, the fee was to be picked up in full
    by the country’s largest private conglomerate, VinGroup, which had been hoping to dazzle with a night race.

    Hanoi mayor’s arrest for fraud a major blow for a Grand Prix in the city Nguyen Duc Chung Vietnam Grand Prix dream fades after Mayor arrested

    But after the 2020 cancellation, the race was dropped from the 2021
    global calendar when city mayor Nguyen Duc Chung, a major supporter of
    the grand prix, was arrested and sentenced to 10 years in jail on
    corruption charges.

    “Without Chung, the future of the race in Hanoi is gloomy,” a source
    close to the race told AFP on condition of anonymity in 2020.

    State media said city authorities in June last year ruled out hosting
    the race between 2022 and 2029. Authorities, however, refused to confirm
    the news to AFP.

    Vietnam was absent again from the 2023 race schedule announced last
    month. Two-and-a-half years after the first race should have been
    staged, there is still disappointment among the country’s small but
    growing F1 fanbase.

    “It would have been my first opportunity to see the drivers, the F1
    cars, the racing teams in real life… and I wanted to feel what it was
    like to sit next to an F1 circuit,” said Bui Viet Giang.

    “I am sorry that it will not happen. I do hope it can be organised again
    in the future,” the 23-year-old added.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From a425couple@21:1/5 to News on Tue Dec 20 13:25:42 2022
    On 12/19/22 05:46, News wrote:

    On 12/17/2022 2:34 PM, a425couple wrote:
    from
    https://the-race.com/formula-1/10-other-options-for-f1s-2023-calendar-gap/?fbclid=IwAR2fNQjWxm_P1I-lqM6wPFm53xUeNUfm7JvG5CTstEgGK5OpT3pMkcnIYBw

    10 OTHER OPTIONS FOR F1’S 2023 CALENDAR GAP
    Dec 15 2022
    By Scott Mitchell-Malm
    134 Comments

    The Chinese Grand Prix has been called off yet again for the 2023
    season and we know that Formula 1 bosses are chasing a replacement to
    keep the calendar at 24 races.


    Would love to see F1 back at Watkins Glen, but the timing won't work.


    Correct, the timing (middle of April) is not good for New York.
    Also, I'm of the opinion that although Watkins Glen fit fine
    for the US Grand Prix in the early 1960's & 70's, it seems unworkable
    for the finances of modern F1. It is 250 miles from New York City.
    Also, IMHO neither the track, nor it's facilities are up to
    F1 standards.

    https://f1.fandom.com/wiki/Watkins_Glen_International

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From News@21:1/5 to All on Wed Dec 21 10:58:19 2022
    On 12/20/2022 4:25 PM, a425couple wrote:
    On 12/19/22 05:46, News wrote:

    On 12/17/2022 2:34 PM, a425couple wrote:
    from
    https://the-race.com/formula-1/10-other-options-for-f1s-2023-calendar-gap/?fbclid=IwAR2fNQjWxm_P1I-lqM6wPFm53xUeNUfm7JvG5CTstEgGK5OpT3pMkcnIYBw

    10 OTHER OPTIONS FOR F1’S 2023 CALENDAR GAP
    Dec 15 2022
    By Scott Mitchell-Malm
       134 Comments

    The Chinese Grand Prix has been called off yet again for the 2023
    season and we know that Formula 1 bosses are chasing a replacement to
    keep the calendar at 24 races.


    Would love to see F1 back at Watkins Glen, but the timing won't work.


    Correct, the timing (middle of April) is not good for New York.
    Also, I'm of the opinion that although Watkins Glen fit fine
    for the US Grand Prix in the early 1960's & 70's, it seems unworkable
    for the finances of modern F1.  It is 250 miles from New York City.
    Also, IMHO neither the track, nor it's facilities are up to
    F1 standards.

    https://f1.fandom.com/wiki/Watkins_Glen_International



    No million dollar Vegas pit suites, not a Tilkedrome, but entirely
    suitable for pro series formula and sports cars with exacting,
    equal-to-F1 safety standards. Closer to Toronto than Montreal, eh?

    But not in April. Any April.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)