Anybody getting sick of Hermann Tilke?

WTF can't some other guys do circuits for F1, it's always this guy.

HOK/Populous, the stadium architects who designed the Emirates and Olympic Stadiums in London, undertook design of the new Silverstone loop section, it's brilliant - high speed, and continues the flow of the old track - a sign that Tilke should give up his monopoly?

At least 2 official ;1 track designers would promote competition.

Tilke? No, not again!!!

HOK/Populous, the stadium architects who designed the Emirates and Olympic Stadiums in London, undertook design of the new Silverstone loop section, it's brilliant - high speed, and continues the flow of the old track - a sign that Tilke should give up his monopoly?

At least 2 official ;1 track designers would promote competition.

Is that new section also beeing used in F1 or only in MotoGP?

It's used in F1 since 2010 but the section was there all the time, only it was used for the shorter version of the Silverstone Circuit in smaller classes such as F3 Britain.
The changes were more likely adding a few corners. I think the new version is nice especially if DRS is going to be used on the straight but it cuts an important image of the circuit, the turn after Abbey under the bridge :).

http://www.jutarnji.hr/multimedia/archive/00361/bistra1_361957S0.jpg

http://www.jutarnji.hr/multimedia/archive/00361/bistra2_361958S0.jpg
Umm, is Croatia in Korea these days? :uh:

Umm, is Croatia in Korea these days? :uh:
Don't cloud the issue with facts.

:doh:

F1 really has lost its magic these days. Circuits seem to lack imagination and the interest that there seemed to be years back does not seem to be there anymore, IMHO.

My fav circuit is Monaco, given its history and the interest that the viewer has of the surrounds. What value is it having a circuit in the middle of nowhere, where no one can really see any sign of civilisation anywhere near? It all makes it bland and a template that could be anywhere.

Austin Formula One to race June 17, 2012

By John Maher | Friday, June 3, 2011, 11:19 AM

Racing officials have set the 2012 racing schedule for Formula One. According to that schedule Austin will host its inaugural event on June 17, one week after the Canadian Grand Prix, the only other F1 race in North America.

The Austin track is currently under construction. The Circuit of the Americas will have a 3.4-mile track.

Here’s the 2012 schedule.

June 17: United States

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/racing/entries/2011/06/03/formula_one_to_race_june_17_20.html

F1 really has lost its magic these days. Circuits seem to lack imagination and the interest that there seemed to be years back does not seem to be there anymore, IMHO.

My fav circuit is Monaco, given its history and the interest that the viewer has of the surrounds. What value is it having a circuit in the middle of nowhere, where no one can really see any sign of civilisation anywhere near? It all makes it bland and a template that could be anywhere.

Spa-Francorchamps, Silverstone and Nurburgring are in the middle of Brussels, Birmingham and Dortmund and I didn't know? :D
Monaco is great, no doubt about that, it's unique and I always love to watch it but it's not a circuit for this era. Where the circuit is doesn't matter, the circuit itself is important and I hope we get to see new designers soon cause I'm tired of Tilke's monopoly.

High cost of the GP in Melbourne has been creating a lot of debate here about it continuing.

Biggest cost is the set up and dismantling of the infrastructure of the temporary street circuit.

Some want to continue as is, some want to shut it all down, some want to build a permanent circuit.

Govt is resisting the last option, as it will cost around $350m. Personally I think its the best move though.

It would take less than 10 years to recoup the cost (in terms of what we pay for the temp circuit), and being at Avalon would mean it could be a night race. This would make Bernie happy (who has been pushing hard for a night GP), and the new structure could be used for other racing and even events like the air show.

Doubt it will happen, but some pretty heavy hitters in Melbourne are pushing hard for this, so who knows.

I'd be happy if the event were relocated to the outer suburb of Avalon. Build a purpose built track there, that remains permanent. Add lighting to maximize European audiences (for night time racing). The stands remain permanent.

Why yes, the whole complex could also serve the annual International Air Show. Planes could be parked outside the track for public viewing and stands could be filled to capacity to watch the airshow.

In addition to this, you got a permanent track that can be used for sports car testing, racing training etc.

Moving from Albert Park could allow for Albert Park to be chosen as the site of an Athletes' Village for our next Olympic bid.

Simply put, who need's the backdrop of the city to host a F1? Many locations around the world prove this. And besides, once Avalon Airport becomes a full International Airport, I'm sure several high rise hotels will be constructed in the area to support this, a F1 track, nearby Geelong and possibly even a major theme park (hoping it's Disneyland!). :)

Moving from Albert Park could allow for Albert Park to be chosen as the site of an Athletes' Village for our next Olympic bid.

Wouldn't that destroy the park?

Wouldn't that destroy the park?

Absolutely

All moot anyway, Brisbane is understood to be the next bidding city from Australia, so I can't see that changing any time soon

It should return to Adelaide. It should have never left Adelaide, but that's a different story.

Wouldn't that destroy the park?

Absolutely

All moot anyway, Brisbane is understood to be the next bidding city from Australia, so I can't see that changing any time soon

Well from what Brisbane is currently proposing, good luck!

And it wouldn't destroy most of the park, just a small portion of it. There will still remain a couple of open sports fields for the Athletes and public, not to mention that should this plan backfire, there's always the backup of building the Village at Parkville.

It should return to Adelaide. It should have never left Adelaide, but that's a different story.

They didn't want it, and it would have left Australia if Melbourne hadnt put it's hand up.

They are doing a decent job with the clipsal 500, so I think they should just focus on that.

They didn't want it, and it would have left Australia if Melbourne hadnt put it's hand up.
If that is true, then why did they go to court to try to prevent the race going to Melbourne?

The Silverstone Wing

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/5261/5730010555d52cf8b694o.jpg

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/8343/5730553664c7a36bfa3co.jpg

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/2899/57300183292fd79a9c2eo.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/silverstonecircuit/sets/72157626585843359/

Looking good!

If that is true, then why did they go to court to try to prevent the race going to Melbourne?

Their South Aussies, who knows.

Problem was the govt was basically broke, and said they would no longer subsidize it. Without the govt dollar, the event was not viable.

My guess is some SA's thought they would try and privately fund, but it's just not possible. Melbourne has the event significantly subsidized by govt, and this is despite being a city with a much larger corporate dollar than Adelaide.

Their South Aussies, who knows.

Problem was the govt was basically broke, and said they would no longer subsidize it. Without the govt dollar, the event was not viable.

My guess is some SA's thought they would try and privately fund, but it's just not possible. Melbourne has the event significantly subsidized by govt, and this is despite being a city with a much larger corporate dollar than Adelaide.
Every possible link that I can find on this says that South Australia was ready and willing to continue hosting the race, but were blindsided by the announcement (more than two years before their contract expired) that Bernie had cut a deal with Melbourne. I also find that there is a fair amount of animosity between Victoria and South Australia over this.

Every possible link that I can find on this says that South Australia was ready and willing to continue hosting the race, but were blindsided by the announcement (more than two years before their contract expired) that Bernie had cut a deal with Melbourne. I also find that there is a fair amount of animosity between Victoria and South Australia over this.

Money was the key issue. Adelaide would have kept it, but couldn't afford the subsidy. They had an election on around that time however, so they had to play the keep the GP card hard. Reality was if they didn't match what Bernie wanted, the GP was gone, but south Aussies were hoping otherwise. IMO Bernie would never have agreed to the lowball rate they could afford to pay.

Situation is the same for Melbourne now. We either keep paying Bernie what he wants, or it's gone.

The Adelaide Melbourne thing is overblown, bit of an issue in Adelaide, but melbourne's rival is Sydney. To put in into context, our population is nearly four times larger than theirs.

Russian GP circuit
http://motor.ru/articles/2011/06/21/sochitrack/
http://s010.radikal.ru/i314/1106/e0/cb06454e6f54.jpg

I like this diagram better than the old one, which seemed to have about 50 corners. But this could still use some work. 12 of the 16 corners are right around 90 degrees, with the only passing spots at turns 2 and 11. This reminds me of a longer Montreal, in several ways.

corner 4 could be as well, as corner 3 is 700-800 meters long

City Council endorses F1, agrees to environmental deal

By American-Statesman staff | Wednesday, June 29, 2011, 04:30 PM

The Austin City Council this afternoon endorsed a Formula One race scheduled to begin in 2012 and approved an environmental deal with circuit organizers.

The measure passed 5 to 2, with Laura Morrison and Kathie Tovo voting against.

Before the vote, the council heard hours of public comments, both in favor of and against city involvement with the international race.

The endorsement would make the project eligible for up to $25 million a year in state subsidies, which the state comptroller still must approve. According to the terms of the environmental deal, F1 will pay up to $15,000 for carbon offsets, such as planting trees, and invest $5 million for on-site research into green technology, among other things.

The council was originally scheduled to consider the measures last week but delayed votes until today to further scrutinize the issues.

The city and F1 representatives last week reached an agreement in which race promoters — not the city, as originally proposed — place an estimated $4 million into a state trust fund account every year for the 10-year duration of the contract.

Mayor Lee Leffingwell said, “What we have now is a purely upside potential and no downside potential so I’m wholeheartedly in support of this.”

The council today approved allowing a local organizing committee — a group put together by Austin F1 organizers — to act on the city’s behalf in negotiations with the state comptroller for those payments.

The local payment is necessary for Formula One promoters, led by Austin’s Tavo Hellmund and supported by auto magnate Red McCombs, to leverage the $25 million state subsidy through the Major Events Trust Fund, an economic development program administered by the comptroller’s office.

According to trust fund laws, the city’s contribution was to come from “extra” sales, alcohol, car rental and hotel taxes generated by the previous year’s race. Preliminary estimates have said Austin stands to gain about $4 million from those taxes paid by Formula One fans over the race weekend.


http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/racing/entries/2011/06/29/city_council_endorses_f1_agree.html

Progress from May 1- May 31.

http://circuitoftheamericas.com/progress.html

Australian V8 Supercars to race in Austin

http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/shared-blogs/austin/racing/upload/2011/06/australian_v8_supercars_to_rac/17-DJR-EV11-10-23287%282%29-thumb.jpg

By American-Statesman staff | Thursday, June 30, 2011, 01:01 PM

Australian V8 Supercars Series officials have agreed to a five-year deal to hold races at a racetrack under construction southeast of Austin beginning in 2013, circuit officials along with Gov. Rick Perry said today.

Under the deal, Circuit of the Americas will hold two 124-mile races each year, which will be televised live in North and South America on the Speed cable network, officials said.

The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, the governing body for motor sports, recently sanctioned it as an international series. Races were held in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain last year, and events in India and Singapore are expected to be announced in the next year, the Herald Sun newspaper in Australia said. An Austin race would be the series’ first in North America, officials said.

Series officials claim that it’s the among fastest growing motorsports in the world.

V8 Supercars are based on production road cars, specifically the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore, and use 5.0-liter V8 engines that produce 620 to 650 horsepower. Holden is the Australian subsidiary of General Motors.

“Our entrance into the United States marks a new day for the series and we’re excited for Americans to experience what has made V8 Supercars so popular in many places around the world,” Tony Cochrane, Chairman of V8 Supercars, said in a statement.

“While Texas has established itself as the nation’s place for business, it’s quickly becoming the nation’s place for big sporting events, as well,” Perry said. “This is more good news for the Lone Star State, and will provide a significant boost to the economy of Central Texas.”


http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/racing/entries/2011/06/30/australian_v8_supercars_to_rac.html

That's both good and bad news. I feel that the V-8 Supercars will put on a great show, unfortunately a much better show than F1.

The V8's are great. Strongly recommend any Texan mtorheads get out to see them when in town, it's sensational racing

That's both good and bad news. I feel that the V-8 Supercars will put on a great show, unfortunately a much better show than F1.

Don't see what is wrong with this. F1 is style over substance, over promotrd, over hyped, etc There's loads of great Motorsport out there - however, your Average Joe thinks Motorsport=F1, it's not.

Don't see what is wrong with this. F1 is style over substance, over promotrd, over hyped, etc There's loads of great Motorsport out there - however, your Average Joe thinks Motorsport=F1, it's not.

V8's rock. Not as sexy as the F1, but aggressive racing, lots of overtaking, all good fun

Read this on another forum:


Valencia gets the exclusive Formula 1 race in Spain
According to Radio Valencia in its local sports programming, Valencia will retain exclusive rights to Formula 1 in Spain from next year and will replace the Catalunya Grand Prix

The agreement is verbal and would only need to be signed. On the occasion of European Grand Prix held in Valencia last weekend, Bernie Ecclestone and the Government of Generalitat have agreed to optimize the performance of the street circuit of the city of Turia.

The new contract includes several new features. First, Valencia's license extends to 2021. Although the most interesting and more secure, the fact is that next year, Valencia will take the date that until now had the race in Barcelona on May 13.

Bernie Ecclestonne was recently held against holding two races in one country, and from the negotiations, says the Catalan circuit his contract ends this season. What odds with explained by Salvador Servia, aimed at which would have an extension until 2016.

As for the price to be paid the eastern city, the amount would be the same today: 18 million euros, subject to revision each year. Thus, from next year, Valencia will be the only Spanish venue of the Formula 1.

Source: http://www.cadenaser.com/deportes/articulo/valencia-queda-exclusiva-formula-espana/serpro/20110628csrcsrdep_9/Tes

* Translated from spanish to english with google translator.

Well, there is no room for US Grand Prix next year. So one GP should go out. Yet, i'm against of exclusive right like that. They could mix - one year Valencia, one year Barcelona.

I guess Bahrain will drop out eventually as well to make a room for Russian GP in 2014.

Russian GP circuit
http://motor.ru/articles/2011/06/21/sochitrack/
http://s010.radikal.ru/i314/1106/e0/cb06454e6f54.jpg

wow that´s one long fast corner! 305 km per hour? I would love to see a rainy race there.

Read this on another forum:

For me both races in Spain could go out. Don´t like Valencia at all, it´s nothing, a circuit without balls. Catalunya I am not fond of either, but there´s a bit more tradition there.

can't wait..

Valencia is one of the most boring races in Formula 1, Barcelona is very nice for spectators and great atmosphere. Spain has a huge number of circuits and the guys want the Spanish GP to be hosted on a street circuit.......ffs.

Here are some more new renderings of the Circuit of the Americas...

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zvqtjS4SSNo/Tek0_Q0H8fI/AAAAAAAACbA/e7LiOnrrm2I/s1600/Circuit+of+The+Americas2.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fkvKmsR1D2A/Tek0_w-ptvI/AAAAAAAACbE/W1DXpeXtJxA/s1600/Circuit+of+The+Americas3.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xZMhomaRXR0/Tek1BnjqR6I/AAAAAAAACbQ/Ok5mbNZdRcI/s1600/Circuit+of+The+Americas6.jpg

http://www.aaformula1.com/2011/06/circuit-of-americas-austin-grand-prix.html

Also check out the construction..

http://www.formula1.com/gallery/other/2011/622.html

Belgium,francorchamps

http://www.spa-francorchamps.be/images/aerienne/images/004.jpg

^^ One of the greatest. for me, second only to Monza.

EWN Exclusive: Cape Town in line to host Grand Prix
Jean Smyth | 23 min





Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone has exclusively told Eyewitness News Cape Town is in line to host a Grand Prix within two years.

For over a decade various reports have indicated a return to South Africa for the sport, but according to the F1 supremo a deal is now weeks away from being signed.


Ecclestone was unable to give precise details, but the location of a proposed street circuit points toward the Waterfront and Green Point area.


The South African Grand Prix was last hosted at Kyalami in 1993. It was won by Frenchman Alain Prost.
According to Ecclestone, negotiations for its return are in the final stages.


”I’m hoping we can make a decision as soon as our lawyers have a good look at them... within the next couple of weeks,” he said.


He said that it would be good to be back in South Africa as they were very happy when it was here in the past.

Valencia is one of the most boring races in Formula 1, Barcelona is very nice for spectators and great atmosphere. Spain has a huge number of circuits and the guys want the Spanish GP to be hosted on a street circuit.......ffs.
Both Valencia or Catalunya produce extremely boring races, so it doesn't really matter which one is used. You forget that about 10 years ago Eddie Irvine lamented not having a radio playing music in his car at Catalunya, because the race was so boring. And he was a driver in the race.

The new Austin circuit looks nice, with a good track alignment. However, the main stand look rather cheap. It is not enclosed or fully protected, which will be a problem as it is very hot in Texas around the time the race will go on. So the are relying on wind, rather than a/c, to keep spectators cooled down.

Belgium,francorchamps

http://www.spa-francorchamps.be/images/aerienne/images/004.jpg

Nice track, bad facilities - at least 20 years outdated.

Nice track, bad facilities - at least 20 years outdated.

What facilities do you mean? The main infrastructure was renewed a few years ago.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4854909676_9b4db867cc_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/king-of-the-hill/4854909676/

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4854910106_36991290d9_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/king-of-the-hill/4854910106/in/set-72157624515183739

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2663/3850926923_5eb244c15e_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/41729055@N05/3850926923/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2456/3969883359_4afd6cc429_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/34250595@N06/3969883359/

Suburbanist The new Austin circuit looks nice, with a good track alignment. However, the main stand look rather cheap. It is not enclosed or fully protected, which will be a problem as it is very hot in Texas around the time the race will go on. So the are relying on wind, rather than a/c, to keep spectators cooled down

So true... the people in the stands will be facing the elements, I did wish they would enclose the stands.

USA deal set to attract drivers to V8 Supercars

DEAL: A landmark deal to race in the United States could lure some of the world’s best drivers to V8 Supercars, Ford ace Mark Winterbottom says.

A landmark deal to race in the United States could lure some of the world’s best drivers to V8 Supercars, Ford ace Mark Winterbottom says.

V8 Supercars announced on Friday they’d secured a five-year deal to race in Austin, Texas from 2013 – the latest step in their bold plan to have up to six international events on their calendar.
The Circuit of the Americas track – still under construction – will debut with next year’s US Formula one Grand Prix.

While dates are yet to be set, both 200km V8 Supercars championship races in Austin will be televised live to 80 million viewers throughout North and South America on the US cable SPEED network.

V8 Supercars are also expected to announce new events in India and Singapore in the next 12 months with races in South Korea and Qatar also believed to be on the horizon.

However, leading V8 driver Winterbottom believed “unheard of” exposure created by the US deal alone would lure drivers from around the world to the Supercars category.

“I think drivers will want to come here and drive – certainly I can see European drivers wanting to now,” Winterbottom told AAP.

“This is one of the best series in the world, and now we are getting a taste of some of the best tracks around the world.


http://www.halapic.com/sport/motor/usa-deal-set-to-attract-drivers-to-v8-supercars.html

Austin plan is to have 6 major international events. We got F1, Moto GP, & V8 Supercars so thats 3 already, I wonder what the other 3 will be.

Nice track, bad facilities - at least 20 years outdated.

The best track and races specialy when it`s raining.

Nice track, bad facilities - at least 20 years outdated.

Blasphemy! Spa is definately a track I would visit on my F1-World tour, the grassy bankings for spectators to sit on create a festival atmosphere, my tour would also include Silverstone, Monza, Suzuka and Sau Paulo. These 'rustic' driver's tracks are 100 times better than the uninspiring street circuits we see trying to get on the calender these days, mund you it would be awesome to experience the night race in Singapore!

Notice how my list is basically S tracks! :lol:

Well, at least the haters have moved away from Silverstone! :banana:

The best track and races specialy when it`s raining.

Best track F1 is Spa, best track Moto GP is Assen (even more the old circuit)

Anyone here know anything about the rumors that Seattle International Raceway was going to upgrade their facilities to accommodate F1? I sure wish it would happen.

http://www.iol.co.za/logger/p.gif?a=1.1096037&d=/2.225/2.572/2.575 (http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/PublishingImages/News%20Images/CT_tour1L.jpg) Aerial View of Site (http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/PublishingImages/News%20Images/CT_tour1L.jpg)


Cape Town F1 circuit may go through stadium

July 8 2011 at 03:01pm
By Bronwynne Jooste
Comment on this story (http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/f1-grand-prix/f1-circuit-may-go-through-stadium-1.1096037#comments_start)
http://www.iol.co.za/polopoly_fs/iol-mot-jul8-f1-ct-stadium-1-1.1096036%21/image/3981968276.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_300/3981968276.jpg Salience
An artists impression of how Cape Town Stadium could be used if the city hosts a Formula One Grand Prix in 2013. The stadium is one of the options being considered.

Formula One racing cars could be zooming in and out of the street-level entrances of Cape Town Stadium if the Mother City hosts a 2013 Grand Prix and uses the venue as a chicane to slow cars down on the seaside racecourse.



The inclusion of the stadium in the race is one of Cape Town Grand Prix SA’s ideas for the 2013 event, and it involves the use of the exit and entry points at street level as well as the stadium’s seating so spectators can watch the action at close quarters.
Esther Henderson, the company’s chief communications officer, explained that race cars would enter the stadium at one point, race through, and exit at another point.



“The circuit will go through the stadium, and there are entry and exit points which are aligned with technical standards.
“There will be a chicane inside the stadium. The cars wouldn’t be going in at the highest speed. They would slow down as they go into the stadium. No major changes have to be made to the stadium.”
She said the stadium had a seating capacity of about 55 000, but with temporary seating it could accommodate more than 60 000.
However, Henderson said, the biggest adjustment would be lifting the pitch and laying tar in line with the standard set by the International Automobile Federation, the world governing body of motorsport.
Once the three-day Formula One event ended, the tar would then be re-covered with the playing pitch, she explained.
Henderson said a similar idea had been applied to the Race of Champions, where the world’s best car and motorcycle racers compete in cities across the world.
In a DVD promoting the company’s bid to host the Grand Prix, it emerged that people favoured the idea of a street race over a purpose-built race track.
The company claims that upgrading the city’s existing infrastructure to meet FIA standards would cost R670 million, compared with the R4 billion it would cost to a build a new circuit.
Another option, according to Henderson, was to have the racing route around the stadium. “Then the stadium itself becomes the grandstand,” she said.
There was renewed interest in the city hosting a Grand Prix this week, after comments from F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone on local radio. Ecclestone said Cape Town could host the glittering sports event within “two years”.
There are three bids in the pipeline: one aligned to a new circuit near the airport, another to a circuit on the West Coast, and the third in Green Point.
Cape Town Grand Prix SA has formally submitted a bid to F1 officials that is modelled on the Monaco Grand Prix, where the track is in Green Point, with Cape Town Stadium taking centre stage.
It is believed that this bid is the front-runner, given Ecclestone’s reference to a two-year time frame.
It is considered unlikely that a circuit could be completed near the airport or along the West Coast in the allotted time.
Henderson said Ecclestone’s approach to the race was that the city would set an “amazing stage” and give spectators a “performance”.
“I’ve said that Cape Town is a very sexy location, it’s a gateway location for broadcast. No matter where you position a camera, you will capture the city’s landmarks, marketing Cape Town,” she said.
The company had consulted with residents in surrounding areas, Henderson said.



“They are not averse to hosting an F1 race, so long as there is proper planning and consultation.”



She added that the residents could look forward to upgraded roads if the bid was successful.



And, since racing would take place at weekends, the noise of revving cars would last for only about 16 hours over the racing weekend.
The company is set to meet sports and recreation minister Fikile Mbalula about the bid.



But councillor Beverley Schäfer - whose ward covers parts of Green Point, Mouille Point and Bantry Bay - said there had been no public consultation. Schäfer said some residents were concerned about noise and others had expressed concern about their safety before and after races.
Developing a circuit would cost a great deal of money, she said.
The city’s mayoral council member for tourism, Grant Pascoe, said hosting the event was in line with the city’s goal to “establish Cape Town as the events capital” of the country.
But he said the city had not yet been approached with a proposal to host the event, and could therefore not yet consider it.
“The proposal will have to go through all council processes, including public participation, to ensure that the views of the local residents are taken into consideration.
“We will also have to partner with the provincial and national governments to make this dream a reality.” - Cape Argus



http://www.blabla.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Cape-Town-F1-Circuit-w800.jpg

Anyone here know anything about the rumors that Seattle International Raceway was going to upgrade their facilities to accommodate F1? I sure wish it would happen.
Not a chance in Hades. The track is too short, and is in a somewhat affluent residential area.

Formula One racing cars could be zooming in and out of the street-level entrances of Cape Town Stadium if the Mother City hosts a 2013 Grand Prix and uses the venue as a chicane to slow cars down on the seaside racecourse. The inclusion of the stadium in the race is one of Cape Town Grand Prix SA’s ideas for the 2013 event, and it involves the use of the exit and entry points at street level as well as the stadium’s seating so spectators can watch the action at close quarters. Esther Henderson, the company’s chief communications officer, explained that race cars would enter the stadium at one point, race through, and exit at another point. “The circuit will go through the stadium, and there are entry and exit points which are aligned with technical standards. “There will be a chicane inside the stadium. The cars wouldn’t be going in at the highest speed. They would slow down as they go into the stadium. No major changes have to be made to the stadium.” She said the stadium had a seating capacity of about 55 000, but with temporary seating it could accommodate more than 60 000. However, Henderson said, the biggest adjustment would be lifting the pitch and laying tar in line with the standard set by the International Automobile Federation, the world governing body of motorsport. Once the three-day Formula One event ended, the tar would then be re-covered with the playing pitch, she explained. Henderson said a similar idea had been applied to the Race of Champions, where the world’s best car and motorcycle racers compete in cities across the world.
I would bet money that triple hairpin does not happen.

Not a chance in Hades. The track is too short, and is in a somewhat affluent residential area.

Isn't it 2.25 miles long- longer than say Monaco...? And it's hardly one of the regions more affluent residential areas. Regardless, that doesn't answer my question but thanks anyways.

Monaco is exception. New circuits has to be at least 5,5 km long.

Isn't it 2.25 miles long- longer than say Monaco...? And it's hardly one of the regions more affluent residential areas. Regardless, that doesn't answer my question but thanks anyways.
My point was that what you heard was nothing but rumor. An F1 race needs to draw something approaching 100,000 fans just to break even, because 100% of the TV revenues and advertising goes into Bernie's pocket. I don't se the track handling anything close to that many people. And I had a chance to visit a friend of a friend who lives within two miles of the track. Huge, gorgeous home, probably worth close to a million. He said that the local property owners do a lot of lobbying with the local board, to ensure that the track never attracts anything close to the required F1 number of spectators.

Monaco is exception. New circuits has to be at least 5,5 km long.
Is it? I seem to recall that the minimum track length was 4.5 km, but I could have heard that figure in the 1980s or 90s. Do they publish the F1 regulations online?

Monaco is exception. New circuits has to be at least 5,5 km long.

Interesting. Of course there is no reason they couldn't extend SIR/Pacific Raceways seeing as there is a lot of undeveloped land around it. Thanks for the info though.

Interesting. Of course there is no reason they couldn't extend SIR/Pacific Raceways seeing as there is a lot of undeveloped land around it. Thanks for the info though.
The only "undeveloped" land is to the west, until you run into the freeway, with expensive condos just across. The south is hemmed in by the freight rail line, with a mix of expensive and older homes beyond that. There is a small amount of land available to the east, but it is limited by the rail line. And to the north is the not quite affluent neighborhood that you were referring to. I still don't see how you can handle a crowd of 100K.

I would bet money that triple hairpin does not happen.

Please elaborate, not down with the lingo.

Please elaborate, not down with the lingo.
Sorry. I was describing the three main corners within the stadium. Since they are all at least 135 degrees, I referred to them as a 'triple hairpin'. And I consider that configuration to be extremely unlikely to be implemented. The F1 cars will probably average around 40 kph through that section. That is not what I would call exciting.

However, the rest of the circuit looks promising.

Sorry. I was describing the three main corners within the stadium. Since they are all at least 135 degrees, I referred to them as a 'triple hairpin'. And I consider that configuration to be extremely unlikely to be implemented. The F1 cars will probably average around 40 kph through that section. That is not what I would call exciting.

However, the rest of the circuit looks promising.

Ah. Thanks for explanation.

I just got it. I think the corners inside the stadium are notional and unlikely.

What are your views on actually entering the staidum? Some say it's not wide enough, but I think they might need to do some work if possible at all given the support walls/columns

They should be doing more racing around cities...

No more streest circuit, please :ohno:

Especially through Jerusalem would be good entertainment for sure :lol:

But it would be the holliest race on the calendar :lol:

Ah. Thanks for explanation.

I just got it. I think the corners inside the stadium are notional and unlikely.

What are your views on actually entering the staidum? Some say it's not wide enough, but I think they might need to do some work if possible at all given the support walls/columns
They already do something like that at the Marine Stadium in Singapore. Bringing the cars in the stadium, with a couple of tight corners (around 90 degrees, but not exactly) will give the crowd something interesting to watch, without jeopardizing safety or slowing the cars down too much. I think that it could work. But it will be noisy!

No more streest circuit, please :ohno:
Not even bringing back Long Beach?

I never saw the Long Beach GP so i can't say.

Moscow, 17 July:

http://s.s-ports.ru/sites/default/files/imagecache/spb_gal_huge/d8bcddc7f4b0aa17_2011-07-17t143035z_01_mos14_rtridsp_3_russia.jpg

http://s.s-ports.ru/sites/default/files/imagecache/spb_gal_huge/128fa7b99c306761_2011-07-17t142921z_01_mos12_rtridsp_3_russia.jpg

http://s.s-ports.ru/sites/default/files/imagecache/spb_gal_huge/9445419cc413243d_2011-07-17t140320z_01_mos08_rtridsp_3_motor-racing.jpg

http://s.s-ports.ru/sites/default/files/imagecache/spb_gal_huge/8d8249a1f8941907_2011-07-17t140125z_01_mos07_rtridsp_3_motor-racing.jpg

http://s.s-ports.ru/sites/default/files/imagecache/spb_gal_huge/6566593f716ec903_2011-07-17t134219z_01_mos04_rtridsp_3_motor-racing.jpg

http://s.s-ports.ru/sites/default/files/imagecache/spb_gal_huge/d5921c144ef9652a_2011-07-17t133954z_01_mos03_rtridsp_3_motor-racing.jpg

http://s.s-ports.ru/sites/default/files/imagecache/spb_gal_huge/89447e5d6a68e270_2011-07-17t133734z_01_mos02_rtridsp_3_motor-racing.jpg

http://s.s-ports.ru/sites/default/files/imagecache/spb_gal_huge/f664afc02e8d1e96_2011-07-17t140619z_01_mos10_rtridsp_3_motor-racing.jpg

Sochi, 17 July:

TAHUaljr1nk

Just cut out the 3rd hairpin and move the stadium exit.

http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/6400/capetown.jpg

I think it would be great to have an African round to make it a truly World Championship., but frankly another dull street track promoting little to no overtaking is not on - can't they just upgrade the old Kyalami circuit?

Moscow Raceway:

http://www.moscowraceway.ru/rus/public_rus/race_rus_news/32_photo.jpg
http://www.moscowraceway.ru/rus/public_rus/race_rus_photo/350_photo.jpg

This thread is about F1 circuits, not about every circuit. Moscow Raceway is not for F1. It's lesser class - grade 1T. More like for MotoGP, GTR, DTM, WTCC etc.

World Superbike arrives in Russia (http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/5-news/7540-world-superbike-arrives-in-russia.html)

In a packed press conference yesterday at the Russian National TV centre in Moscow, Paolo Flammini, CEO of Infront Motor Sports and Alexander Yakhnich, CEO of Yakhnich Motorsport announced that a partnership agreement had been reached between the two companies.

As a result Yakhnich Motorsport becomes the organizer of the Russian Round of the FIM Superbike World Championship, and also acquires the TV and Marketing rights for the Russian market. The declared intention is to bring World Superbike to Russia already in 2012, and with this aim in mind negotiations are being held with a number of circuits currently in the process of applying for FIM homologation.

Paolo Flammini declared: "We are very satisfied with this agreement and we wish to thank Mr. Yakhnich for his warm welcome and for the truly professional work carried out by his team. Russia is one of the most important nations in the world, with a rapidly-growing economy. We think that the Superbike World Championship is the most suitable way to help develop the Russian motorcycle market, together with a plan that foresees the growth of young Russian riders on an international level in our four categories".

Alexander Yakhnich added: "We are honoured to have reached this prestigious target. Thanks to the vital support of the Russian Government, specifically the Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Zhukov, Russian motorcycling is getting ready to play host to the Superbike World Championship and in this way help the growth of the sport in our country in the best possible way".

The ceremony, which in addition was attended by Paolo Ciabatti, SBK General Manager, and Alexander Lunkin, President of the Russian Motorcycling Federation, also saw the presentation of the ‘Two Countries Cup', the UEM-organized trophy for Italian and Russian riders with ‘Open Stock 600' bikes, the two rounds of which will be held at Misano on 12 June as part of the San Marino Round of the Superbike World Championship, and at the new Canyon circuit in Kazan (Russia) on 21 August.

http://www.gpone.com/images/ARCHIVIO/2011/foto/maggio/circuito_del_kazan_2.jpg
http://www.gpone.com/images/ARCHIVIO/2011/foto/maggio/circuito_del_kazan_1.jpg

This thread is about F1 circuits, not about every circuit. Moscow Raceway is not for F1. It's lesser class - grade 1T. More like for MotoGP, GTR, DTM, WTCC etc.

yeah, but in the poll there are circuits that dont belong anymore to F1.
So perhaps its a good idea to open this thread to racing circuits in general or to create another thread for circuits who dont host F1.

It seems to be pretty uncertain if the Nürburgring will continue to host F1 races because the current contract is financially unviable and the government is not willing to continue supporting the F1 events financially which generate high and unacceptable financial losses.


With the Rhineland-Palatinate state now run by a SPD/Green coalition, minister Eveline Lemke on Monday said that despite the contract running through 2016, this weekend's race will be the last one supported financially by the government.

"The conditions at the moment generate high and no longer acceptable losses," DPA news agency quotes circuit operator Jorg Lindner as saying.

"So there will only be a continuation of the great and legendary tradition of Formula One at the Nurburgring if a future contract includes economically and politically acceptable conditions," he added.


source:http://formula-one.speedtv.com/article/f1-nurburgring-puts-future-in-bernie-ecclestones-hands/

Russia 2 report about future Olympic Park circuit and Marussia Racing visiting Sochi
http://news.sportbox.ru/Vidy_sporta/Avtosport/Formula_1/spbvideo_V-1235-21-iyulya-Gran-pri-s-Alekseem-Popovim-FORMULA-1-v-So

nFGevm2I0Mo


http://www.sc-os.ru/common/img/news/1_b.jpg

http://www.sc-os.ru/common/img/news/2_b.jpg

http://www.sc-os.ru/common/img/news/3_b.jpg

Crimea Grand Prix - Ukraine

http://en.motonews.ru/imgs/new_3659_0b.jpg
http://www.crimeagp.com/data/photogallery_photo/230_.jpg
http://www.crimeagp.com/data/photogallery_photo/39_.jpg

The Dolna Mitropolia track in Pleven Bulgaria

http://www.powerslide.net/forum/uploads/monthly_05_2008/post-1490-1212174011_thumb.jpg

F1 circuits boy

Turkish GP is out of next year's calendar.

Oh, is that official now?

the calendar is not yet approved, so not official. there are rumors it's not in new proposal. but it was in preliminary calendar.

Bernie's list for the next season includes only 20 races, rather than 21 (+ Turkish GP). It's 99% sure that Turkish GP will be out of the calendar next season, only FIA should confirm it and make it official.

F1 : Ukraine capital Kiev plans to build US$1 billion Formula 1 track by 2013
Friday, 24 December 2010 10:30
Ukraine capital Kiev is the latest name linked with a future Formula One circuit foray.

A government official is quoted by the Kyiv Post newspaper as saying the city will spend $1 billion on a 5.2 kilometre track that is set for completion in 2013.

"We will build an international track in the Polissia and Ivankiv districts in order to host international competitions," said head of state administration Anatoliy Prysiazhniuk.

"I saw the project, and experts from Europe assessed it," he added.

Ukraine borders existing Formula 1 host country Hungary, and of course Russia, which is set to join the calendar in 2014.

Bernie's list for the next season includes only 20 races, rather than 21 (+ Turkish GP). It's 99% sure that Turkish GP will be out of the calendar next season, only FIA should confirm it and make it official.
But the same list has the USGP moved to November, so I'm taking it with a grain of salt.

In the next few weeks David Coulthard will be driving his F1 car in downtown Austin, Texas to give us a taste of whats to come.:)

http://www.theaustingrandprix.com/news/2011/7/31/david-coulthard-to-drive-f1-car-in-austin.html

Bernie wants more money from Turkey.
I think currently the turkish government pays 21 Mil. USD.
Bernie wants 26 or 30 Mil USD.

Bernie probably thinks Turkey will pay anything to see it's flag on the calendar, but it's simply not worth it since people don't attend the races. He knows he can take advantage of that because there are so many countries eager to pay loads of cash for this pride anyway while others in Europe still might survive because the stands are full at these races and no only ( if they don't cover the cost they might benefit from races like WTCC, FIA GT, DTM where costs are way under the income ).
IMO, just let it go rather than fill up Bernie's pocket only to be proud to be a Turk, as long as you don't go to pay the ticket it's like the race is held 1000km away anyway.

People don't attend because it simply way too expensive.

But 21 000 000 / 200 000 = $210 of average price for a ticket. Can you imagine $1000 of average price for a ticket for US Grand Prix?

Or even more $1500, if it's going to be $30mln.

BTW Bernie aka the Formula One Group owns Istanbul Park AS, which runs the Istanbul Park racing circuit :)

BTW Bernie aka the Formula One Group owns Istanbul Park AS, which runs the Istanbul Park racing circuit :)

? Then it doesn´t make sence to me. I always liked the Turkish GP by the way. Great circuit.

Got a give it to SPA. I can't tell you how amazing it looked live seeing F1 cars go Eau Rouge full speed. Still the only, but not the last F1 race i will be seeing on the place itself.

Idea that evokes every other year, racing F1 in New York has again been discussed. Would love that to happen.
http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2011/08/03/new-jersey-f1-track-new-york/

Many of these new tracks have been absolutely horrible to get any racing going on. Dunno is it about regulations and tracks like SPA could not be even build now or what's the problem.

It's hard to build a track like Spa.
Track now are made in 'perfect places' for tracks, Spa was made up of 2 or 3 roads that gave birth to this circuit that might be the best in the world: forest, mountains, Eau Rouge ( river under the entrance in the corner ), it's great.
Of course, I heard Austin will be the 3rd most abrupt circuit in F1 after Spa and Suzuka, so let's see and wait, cause if it's like the first 2 it's going to be great.

"abrupt circuit", tilke - mutually exclusive

Idea that evokes every other year, racing F1 in New York has again been discussed. Would love that to happen.
http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2011/08/03/new-jersey-f1-track-new-york/


Impossible. No open window in the calendar, but...

Hungaroring will hardly extend its contract because of Russia. Spain will most probably leave off with one GP. Bahrain will hardly last for a long. There is Abu Dhabi in the calendar. Turkey seems won't be in the calendar as well. So we have 3 races beyond of 2014. But there are a lot of contenders for GP.

Idea that evokes every other year, racing F1 in New York has again been discussed. Would love that to happen.
http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2011/08/03/new-jersey-f1-track-new-york/
Yuk. Just another variation in the no passing street course theme. It will never happen.

http://www.f1-info.cz/f1foto/foto2010/17/2010_17_yeongam_track_map.jpg


http://img.formulaf1.es/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/0koreaninternationalcircuit-21.jpg

The circuit could be a lot better if they will remove turn 5 for F1. Just those 3 turns 4-5-6 makes it a lot slower. Without turn 5 cars could be set up for higher speeds.

^^

that would be great with some of the promised skyscrapers, the marina, etc...

Sochi - Formula 1 Russian Grand Prix:

http://www.olympdep.ru/dl_images/udb_gallery/udb5-rec10045-img2044.jpg

http://www.olympdep.ru/dl_images/udb_gallery/udb5-rec10045-img2043.jpg

http://www.olympdep.ru/dl_images/udb_gallery/udb5-rec10045-img2042.jpg

100% flat like China, Bahrein and Abu Dhabi?

Fail, in that case.

it's indeed flat, unlike China, Bahrein and Abu Dhabi

Shanghai Circuit is built on swampland, it has a minor oval before the long straight line but doesn't affect it.
Bahrain may not be 100% flat ( of course, 100% was an exaggeration ) but it has no spectacular turns where the small oscillations of level exist.
Abu Dhabi as much as I remember it has a first turn up to the hairpin a fast up and down but I think it's more for the underground pit exit that comes under where the track elevates.
I thought Russia was going to go for a track near Moscow, I guess they will try to get a summer race like when Hungary is at the end of July/Beg. of August when people are enjoying time at the Black Sea? ;)

Update on the F1 Track.

All photos, CC: Sankalp Bhatnagar's FB Album (my cousin, who's a volunteer)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/303811_10150290041381172_538326171_8149088_6674717_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/311206_10150290041446172_538326171_8149089_1349093249_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/293546_10150290041576172_538326171_8149091_1455770429_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/318306_10150290041671172_538326171_8149092_311977613_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/302051_10150290042766172_538326171_8149097_1425247037_n.jpg

post date: 10 september

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/309636_10150290042906172_538326171_8149100_1990432736_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/308636_10150290043661172_538326171_8149102_734659353_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/314791_10150290043726172_538326171_8149103_1603937616_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/319076_10150290043821172_538326171_8149104_1959206971_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/315731_10150290046081172_538326171_8149114_1296184725_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/320066_10150290046236172_538326171_8149115_2025307124_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/302256_10150290046336172_538326171_8149116_624845490_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/313226_10150290046411172_538326171_8149118_197176325_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/293301_10150290047131172_538326171_8149122_945663863_n.jpg[/QUOTE]



post date: 10 september

Slovakia Ring

http://www.slovakiaring.sk

The parameters of the race track Slovakia Ring rank it among the longest road race tracks in Europe.

Its technical difficulty presents a big challenge also for the most experienced ones and the dimensions of the veer off zones guarantee maximum safety.

There are four artificially created elevations, the so called horizons on the track which make the track more diverse and guarantee another kick of adrenaline to you.

Length of race track: 5 922 m
Width of race track: 12 m.
Length of race homestraight: 900 m
Width of race homestraight: 20 m
Length of acceleration testing track: 1 144 m
Width of acceleration testing track: 20 m


http://www.slovakiaring.sk/assets/Uploads/_resampled/SetSize556408-1b8.jpg
http://www.slovakiaring.sk/assets/Uploads/_resampled/SetSize556408-2b8.jpg
http://www.slovakiaring.sk/assets/Uploads/_resampled/SetSize556408-3b8.jpg
http://www.slovakiaring.sk/assets/Uploads/_resampled/SetSize556408-4b8.jpg
http://www.slovakiaring.sk/assets/Uploads/_resampled/SetSize556408-5b8.jpg
http://www.slovakiaring.sk/assets/Uploads/_resampled/SetSize556408-6b8.jpg
http://www.slovakiaring.sk/assets/Uploads/_resampled/SetSize556408-7b7.jpg

http://www.circuit.sk/images/gallery/fia-gt3-slovakiaring-i/co8c7265-3.jpg
http://www.circuit.sk/images/gallery/fia-gt3-slovakiaring-i/t2c2907.jpg
http://www.circuit.sk/images/gallery/fia-gt3-slovakiaring-i/t2c2843.jpg
http://www.topspeed.sk/files/big/Cena-Slovenska-2010-SlovakiaRing-10.jpg
http://www.topspeed.sk/files/big/article_86623e667f10a5b91b216436a120f09a.jpg
http://www.topspeed.sk/gallery/1071/big/img_1071_ce9b9f2d46fb1cea4007b4bb862a99bc.jpg
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KVtpXECK1dQ/Tk59W9Rq_mI/AAAAAAAADrc/jaGGjAXvuRk/s1600/02311812_056_.jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HSkrqTbM-do/Tk59Wt-9EFI/AAAAAAAADrU/qSXEf4Sc6EE/s1600/02311812_047_.jpg
http://www.webnoviny.sk/fotografia/356071/velka/velka-cena-slovenskej-republiky-2011.jpg

Any new development from the Korean circuit? They planned an projects with skyscrapers, etc...

More renders of Sochi Olympic Park Circuit from developer's site
http://www.omega2014.ru/projects/formula1/

http://s017.radikal.ru/i405/1110/68/57be031c0d39.jpg

http://s017.radikal.ru/i418/1110/f9/1fae9d5b3346.jpg

http://s53.radikal.ru/i141/1110/19/f00cecacf1e0.jpg

http://s017.radikal.ru/i419/1110/f2/8b3fbb4c963a.jpg

Here's a story (http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/vroom_with_view_uwtM8SGzJJbipdltxMQ4TM) on New Jersey getting an F1 race in 2013. That would make two F1 races in the US.

http://www.nypost.com/r/nypost/2011/10/25/news/web_photos/Untitled-1052334--520x150.jpg

or would be another hockenheimring/nurburgring, silverstone/brands hatch, paul richard/dijon-prenois etc

Here's a story (http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/vroom_with_view_uwtM8SGzJJbipdltxMQ4TM) on New Jersey getting an F1 race in 2013. That would make two F1 races in the US.

http://www.nypost.com/r/nypost/2011/10/25/news/web_photos/Untitled-1052334--520x150.jpg

Great, another street circuit :ohno:

Great, another street circuit :ohno:
Actually much of it runs through or along a park. It really doesn't look bad when you go over the route in Google maps.

Actually much of it runs through or along a park. It really doesn't look bad when you go over the route in Google maps.


Not really, Its still a Streel Circuit

Not really, Its still a Streel Circuit

Well, if the roads there are wide enough, it could be a good layout. There appears to be quite a few quality passing zones in there.

http://a.yfrog.com/img615/9161/cts6a.jpg

^^This looks like Montjuic. Twisty, narrow, great elevations changes. NJ may be more exciting than the artificial tilke circuit in Austin.

Actually much of it runs through or along a park. It really doesn't look bad when you go over the route in Google maps.

looked it up, looks amazing!!!

adtIiPQiI5Q

I am all for it! you have some money yo bribe Erny? I am a little low aon fundings t the moment.

edit: sorry didnt read the previous page... this is serious? well looks good and everything is better then another circuit in Asia. In USA atleast there´s a big race tradition which will fill the stands.

It's actually quite a nice project. I like it! A F1 race with the Manhattan skyline on the other side of the river, wonder!
Hope USA will host 2 Grand Prix starting 2013.

There are only 2 real circuits: SPA FRANCORCHAMPS (BEL) and SUZUKA (JAP)
SILVERSTONE (GBR) and MONZA (ITA) are acceptable.

A real F1 circuit must have fast curves. Circuits like Nevers-Magny Cours are so boring...never understand why France's Grand Prix was move here instead of La Catelllet (Paul Ricard), Le Mans (Bugati) or Dijon (Presnois).

Monza was probably the most boring circuit in the 2001-2010 period, simply nothing to see unless there was an engine failure or simply rain that came like after 5 decades when Vettel won with TR.
Yes, it's a very unique one nowadays but it's still for the top speed. Even now the DRS isn't much of a change as the wings are set up to create very low downforce anyway.
I think Magny-Cours would have been OK this year with the DRS for overtaking at the Adelaide hairpin.

I agree that Suzuka and Spa are the best circuits, they also top my list but I'll still choose the circuit at Nevers in front of any new Tilkish circuit and we're talking about France, who should have a GP ASAP.

Dijon isn't really much different from Magny Cours. Paul Ricard definitely much better even after reconstruction.

My favourite circuit is the Valencia Street circuit (in catalan language: Circuit Urbà de València) Where european grand prix is disputed.

My favourite circuit is the Valencia Street circuit (in catalan language: Circuit Urbà de València) Where european grand prix is disputed.

Really?? On what grounds? Valencia is one of the most boring Grand Prix's of the year!

Yeah, is boring like hell and that shipyard view isn't pleasant at all despite the yachts in some places.

Valencia is beautiful, the circuit not is boring is difficult for drivers and funny for the people
examples:

XxgTowReP7s&feature=related

yKwoKCkB1RY&feature=related

VnEiq1ODKvw&feature=related

my second favourite circuit is Montreal
the borning circuits are Montmeló and Monza for me

it's indeed worst and most boring circuit in championship. a good example of usual tilke's design... singapore on the other hand is best modern street circuit in f1.

Valencia is beautiful, the circuit not is boring is difficult for drivers and funny for the people
examples:

XxgTowReP7s&feature=related

Nice commercial and very nice city but the circuit is utter shite, get over it.

And yeah, street circuits are usually fine for the guys paying to stay in the stands ( many non-street have the seats miles away from the asphalt ) but Valencia simply doesn't entertain you more than seeing the cars go past and smelling the rubber.

I am Spanish and I am charmed with the F1, but not for it I leave my objectivity of side, the circuit of Valencia is boring, very boring, of the worst of the world one if not the worst. I believe that it does not have future, the F1 looks for showiness, and Valencia is the antithesis of it. In the next years the world one was releasing new circuits in Austin, Sochi, New Jersey and also it is rumored on South Africa, Mexico, and Valencia will have site in the calendar neither as spectacle nor for the economic expense. Or it changes radically the tracing it doing mas attraction or Bernie was loading it and deservedly.

Nice commercial and very nice city but the circuit is utter shite, get over it.Apparently, it's quite good to drive.

For providing an entertaining race though, it competes with Barcelona for worst on the calendar. But that's the nature of street circuits. They are constrained by patterns of existing city streets, usually narrow and very dusty off line. The lack of grip off the racing line is by far the biggest issue that prevents overtaking on these types of circuits and both Singapore and Valencia clearly suffer because of it.

Apparently, it's quite good to drive.

For providing an entertaining race though, it competes with Barcelona for worst on the calendar. But that's the nature of street circuits. They are constrained by patterns of existing city streets, usually narrow and very dusty off line. The lack of grip off the racing line is by far the biggest issue that prevents overtaking on these types of circuits and both Singapore and Valencia clearly suffer because of it.

Valencia could be nice(r) with a long and dangerous straight, which is possible. At the moment it´s one big disappointment, while on paper it looked nice.

By the way it´s no street circuit, it´s an urban circuit. (circuit in the city)
biggest part of it you cannot drive when there´s no race.

http://c279842.r42.cf1.rackcdn.com/750_4f1774b9da15b12-01-12_Aerial_Cam_05_2.jpg

http://circuitoftheamericas.com/

COTA has updated their website, select seating is now available and will go on sale March 1. Also tickets will be available this summer.

I really hate Circuit of the Americas.

Like, we have so many great racetracks in the US, and for a fraction of the cost of building Austin, they could've revamped Road America, Watkins Glen, Laguna Seca, Sebring, any of them.

I really hate Circuit of the Americas.

Like, we have so many great racetracks in the US, and for a fraction of the cost of building Austin, they could've revamped Road America, Watkins Glen, Laguna Seca, Sebring, any of them.

The problem is that without building a track that is up to F1 standards immediately, there is a long process to even be eligible for F1. Right now, there are only 2 (soon to be 3 with COTA) tracks that are even accredited for F1 testing, let alone a race. They are Indianapolis and Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama.

Barber Motorsports Park is a 2.38 mile 17 turn course with drastic elevations changes for those who don't know... Most notably, the Turn 1,2,3 complex know as the "Alabama Rollercoaster."

http://www.wilsonsaharamotorsports.com/images/proj_barber_left.jpghttp://www.wilsonsaharamotorsports.com/images/proj_barber_right.jpghttp://api.ning.com/files/J54uRfgc5wPBEUvdKGt5s9aTPz42L0mxCOafHi1OpjUkhloS5Pgdtm8W3NHuZtMAsD0wyW0zUgYKpIzi23H8TTvEvaxG43Lx/Barber.jpg

Barber Motorsports Park has grade 1T. That's only for tests, not for racing.

Barber and the Indy Road Course are atrocious, so it's not a big surprise F1 loves them. What exactly are "F1 Standards"? enough luxury boxes for every sponsor's entourage? Having the soul of the track ripped out so that Tilke can make it as boring as possible?

The only tracks I can think of in F1 that hasn't had it's heart torn out is Monaco and Spa. Every other track has either been abandoned or made more like the other Tilkedromes.

http://www.fia.com/en-GB/sport/regulations/Pages/Circuits.aspx
not complete though

how are constructions of the new circuits that will start this year doing?

Melbourne was great today......even though it was still on F1 practice and the Aussie V8 Supercar race. Can't wait till tomorrow ! hmmm just see that that's only 4 minutes away ?

I`m not sure it`s the right place, but the subject is related. So I am designing for the university F1 track, and I can`t find any architectural drawings of the supporting track building like the PADOCK or PITBUILDIG. Can somebody help?

P.s. Sry for the bad gramar :)

Crap pole where is Spa?

I voted for Monaco due to the absence of Spa. :( Spa is by far the best track in the world imho. Nr. 2 would not even score 50% of Spa imho.

The problem with F1 these days is way too many tracks in countries which are really not interested in F1, also someone else needs to have a go at track design, all these new Tilke tracks lack soul, something which Spa has in abundance.

^^ Try finding an area as large as Spa, in the middle of a forest, that could be used as a racetrack with all modern facilities it entails here in Europe :D

I voted for Monaco due to the absence of Spa. :( Spa is by far the best track in the world imho. Nr. 2 would not even score 50% of Spa imho.

In the year the poll was started i think Spa was not on the calender. Maybe it´s time for a new poll. Think it would go between Monaco, for the diehard f1 fans and Spa.

In the year the poll was started i think Spa was not on the calender. Maybe it´s time for a new poll. Think it would go between Monaco, for the diehard f1 fans and Spa.

Agreed,i would have voted Spa too if it was there.

¿ Maybe it´s time for a new poll then?

Agreed,i would have voted Spa too if it was there.

Spa is going to be out soon anyway, French Grand Prix will be back though. Paul Ricard to be the circuit.

they will alternate. uneven years - french gp, even years - belgian gp.

french gp circuit is yet to be determined.

No selection for Singapore F1?

Spa is going to be out soon anyway, French Grand Prix will be back though. Paul Ricard to be the circuit.

You tell it like it´s something good.
Spa should never go out. F1 lost it´s mind a long time ago, they go to far and forget where F1 is truely coming from.
It´s time for a European F1. Think of all the historic and still good tracks we could see.

french gp circuit is yet to be determined.

French GP has been determined a while ago: It is named Monaco GP ! :D


(Yes, I know... .... :()

French GP has been determined a while ago: It is named Monaco GP ! :D


(Yes, I know... .... :()

Why can´t they just do it at Le Mans. (not the Monaco one, but a French one) That´s the best circuit France has to offer and it´s good!

Argentina 2013:cripes:

http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/753966MardelPlata.jpg

Oh no...

Argentina 2013:cripes:


this
http://www.grandepremio.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Mar-del-Plata.jpg

not signed yet though

^^ Mar del Plata, Argentina

New Jersey - Port Imperial Street Circuit - Formula 1 Grand Prix of America

I came here looking for info and construction updates on the New Jersey F1 Grand Prix track - "Port Imperial Street Circuit" but can't even seem to find a basic thread for it. As far as I can work out, construction on the pit buildings has already started.

Circuit is overlooked by a lot of residential, anyone local or know of someone local able to take any pics?

del

NEver thought I would see so many possible street circuits in Formula 1.

NEver thought I would see so many possible street circuits in Formula 1.

Street circuits are boring except Singapore. Monaco is the dullest track in F1, I never understood the hype about Monaco.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/563871_373742609331472_149408615098207_1016581_2035829755_n.jpg
circuit of the americas

Circuit of the Americas is starting to take shape.

John Paul DeJoria invests in F1 Austin

Austin Business Journal by Vicky Garza, Staff Writer
Date: Tuesday, April 10, 2012, 1:18pm CDT

Hair care company co-founder and tequila tycoon John Paul DeJoria has signed on as the newest investor in Circuit of the Americas, the multi-purpose racing facility in Austin that will host the Formula One U.S. Grand Prix in November.

The amount he is investing was not disclosed.

Local resident DeJoria joins other well-known investors in the project, including San Antonio billionaire Red McCombs and private investor Bobby Epstein.

Officials with the racetrack under construction southeast of Austin reported to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in February that it received nearly $200 million in funding from multiple investors.

http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2012/04/10/john-paul-dejoria-invests-in-f1-austin.html

Sepang international Circuits 2012-KLIA at the back..
http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/8321/sepangl.jpg

Still the best ´new´ track mop. Also for the viewers I think on those two stands you can see quite alot of action.
Too bad in Malasia it´s hartley ever a sell out when F1 appears.

Too bad in Malasia it´s hartley ever a sell out when F1 appears.
Is there any of the new circuits which sells out? According to Bernie Ecclestone the future of F1 is outside Europe, but the number of spectators at the circuits suggest otherwise.

Street circuits are boring except Singapore. Monaco is the dullest track in F1, I never understood the hype about Monaco.

Monaco seems to be just a tradition,i like Monaco but its just a procession of cars hardly any overtaking.

Is there any of the new circuits which sells out? According to Bernie Ecclestone the future of F1 is outside Europe, but the number of spectators at the circuits suggest otherwise.

It's not because of poor F1 popularity. That's simply because of large pay outs required by FOA for new GPs. That pushes ticket prices above availability limits. $200-300 in India is like $5000-$6000 in US, in China, Russia, Turkey it would be $1000-$1500...

It's not because of poor F1 popularity. That's simply because of large pay outs required by FOA for new GPs. That pushes ticket prices above availability limits. $200-300 in India is like $5000-$6000 in US, in China, Russia, Turkey it would be $1000-$1500...
That explains not everything, with the emerging middle- and upperclass in those countries this shouldn't be much an issue either. Turkish Grand Prix tickets were less (http://www.todayszaman.com/news-209869-127-f1-turkey-ticket-prices-slashed-to-increase-attendance.html) than half the price of other Formula One events around the world. Tickets in India starts at €37 (http://www.aaformula1.com/2011/04/indian-grand-prix-tickets-would-be.html), the Chinese GP starts at €46 (http://www.chinahighlights.com/hotel/shanghai-f1/ticket-price.htm).

$50 for Indian GP is on the grass zone. very limited. Stands in average were $200.
http://s019.radikal.ru/i627/1204/03/e789de3ee87b.jpg


Even if you say twice cheaper - average salary in Turkey, Russia and China 5-7 times smaller than in developed economies. In India more than 15-20 times smaller.

Would you buy a 'cheap' stand ticket at the far top for at least $700-1000?

It appears you are missing the point that even in those countries with their massive populations and despite the amount of poor people (hence the relative low average salary) there is currently a large middle- and upperclass emerging.

This is currenty being illustrated by the fact tha China is already for Lamborghini, Ferrari en German carmakers the most important market. Another example is India, where the amount of millionaires is projected to more than double (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-10-19/lamborghini-snares-millionaires-in-india.html) by 2015. Their number will increase to 403,000 by 2015 from 173,000 in 2010. Even with the most conservative estimates (http://www.dbresearch.de/PROD/DBR_INTERNET_DE-PROD/PROD0000000000253735.pdf) middle-class should be around 30 million, but a higher number is possible as well.

So your question "would you buy a 'cheap' stand ticket at the far top for at least $700-1000? buy a 'cheap' stand ticket at the far top for at least $700-1000?" is flawed. Apparently selling F1 tickets is harder than selling expensive cars in those countries. The 2010 Bahrein GP wasn't massively attended as well. The same issue applies to Qatar, where the MotoGP season starts with almost no one attending the race.

Perhaps is due to the fact those countries are lacking an autosports culture like some other countries, not the due to average salary. After all, this is not an issue in Brazil either.

Rich people hardly will go to GP just on standard stands. It's mainly middle class - so as in China, so as in US, so as in Italy. That middle class that has average incomes $600-$1000.

Your posts are entirely based on assumptions ("Rich people hardly will go to GP just on standard stands.") or generalizations ("average incomes"). Could you explain why this isn't much of an issue in Brazil and never was, even before the economic boom? Is the average salary (or PPP) in Bahrein, Turkey or Korea to support a decent amount of visitors?

Let's face it, tickets aren't exactly cheap, but those countries are also lacking the fanbase, historical ties and sports culture like in Europe, Canada, Japan or Brazil. This is also reflected in the fact Brazil is the sport's largest (http://www.sportspromedia.com/notes_and_insights/formula_one_counts_cost_of_vettel_dominance/) broadcast market. This could change in the future, but the new venues and visitors attendance in most new countries aren't encouraging (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/will-gray/gray-matter-f1-india-7050.html).

Brazil has exception. It's about fanaticism. People are ready to spend their last money.

Europe, Canada, Japan does not. If tickets would be 5 times more expensive people won't go on GP.

Once again a generalization and assumption. People in Europe and Japan are quite fanatic about F1 too, especially in Italy where the cheapest tickets are four times as expensive as in India or China. Suggesting otherwise proves you haven't got a clue about F1 culture and heritage, which is exactly the reason why it's hard for the sport to draw many visitors in some countries.

I think you're both right actually.

Bernie is not unhappy at empty stands as long as he gets his race fee I think, and of course sponsors also want to get into new markets. And the countries willing to shell out his race fees are increasingly those with lots of disposable cash. So we get new circuits in Asia, the Middle East, Russia etc. whilst great circuits like Spa which aren't backed by government subsidy struggle to pay the expensive fees and end up missing years or having to alternate. It's a sad state of affairs in some ways.

And of course, even seemingly cheap tickets may be beyond the reach of people on lower salaries in the BRIC nations and places like Turkey.

But success would help this...as 909 says. Countries with huge motorsport tradition like Italy and the UK attract crowds and always will.

Brazil couldn't care less about F1 until Fittipaldi hit the scene, and then Senna came along and interest skyrocketed even further. The closest comparison to that in this decade has been Spain where interest was historically low compared to much of Europe. Alonso has single-handedly changed that. It'll be interesting to see how well the sport continues to do there when he retires.

The trouble with some of the new countries, however, is you wonder whether they're capable of producing a driver like Senna or Alonso. Certainly the small desert states aren't. But even the bigger places like China are question marks. It's not just that these countries have no history in F1; many have no history in motorsport. Whilst circuits like Silverstone are used frequently by different British motorsport series which create new generations of drivers, many of the newer circuirs are dusted off each year for their annual GP and are empty after that. It's like it's just a show to the world for one weekend, you wonder if the interest is really there.

I'm a Yankee, but Indy just is not, in my opinion, worthy of an F1 race. It should be Laguna Seca. I would like Walkins Glen in New York State, but it cannot be renovated due to it being on some national preservation list.

Indianapolis hosted F1 racing in the 50s. How is it not worthy?

Indianapolis hosted F1 racing in the 50s. How is it not worthy?
Actually that is not accurate. The cars at Indy in the 1950s had almost nothing in common with the various Grand Prix formulas of the decade. All the FIA did was award points to the finishers of the Indy 500. At no point in the decade were the engines of the cars at Indy small enough to qualify for Grand Prix racing.

I'm a Yankee, but Indy just is not, in my opinion, worthy of an F1 race. It should be Laguna Seca. I would like Walkins Glen in New York State, but it cannot be renovated due to it being on some national preservation list.
As much as I would love to see F1 at Laguna (I live about 90 minutes away), I have to admit the track is not suitable. There is no place to pass. An F1 race there would be almost as bad as Monaco. I remember when CART ran there, there were almost never any passes for the lead.

Actually that is not accurate. The cars at Indy in the 1950s had almost nothing in common with the various Grand Prix formulas of the decade. All the FIA did was award points to the finishers of the Indy 500. At no point in the decade were the engines of the cars at Indy small enough to qualify for Grand Prix racing.

Yeah and? It was still considered part of the WDC and it counted to points in the championship until 1960. Just because the Euro teams didn't run it doesn't mean it didn't exist.

If you're gonna have F1 in the USA it has to be at Road America. It's a big track, lots of room to pass, and it's historic.

But Road America doesn't have any F1-level infrastructure.

Hell, I'd like to see them run Daytona. Modified course that's half on the oval and half on the infield circuit.

Yeah and? It was still considered part of the WDC and it counted to points in the championship until 1960. Just because the Euro teams didn't run it doesn't mean it didn't exist.
You claimed "Indianapolis hosted F1". I was pointing out that never happened.

And Elkhart Lake is deficient in several areas for F1, including safety, access, facilities and population base. The tracks have to pay a fee to F1 in the neighborhood of 20 million euros to host the race each year, and do not get a share of the TV money. So that ~25 million dollars has to be made up entirely from ticket sales. I don't see that happening out in the woods of northern Wisconsin.

Indy hosted a race of the Formula 1 World Championship, how is that not hosting Formula 1?

Elkhart Lake isn't up to FIA regs sure, but you're telling me Monaco is?

Indy hosted a race of the Formula 1 World Championship, how is that not hosting Formula 1?

Elkhart Lake isn't up to FIA regs sure, but you're telling me Monaco is?
Sorry, I meant to say Indy never hosted actual Grand Prix racing in the 1950s. Most of the drivers were not aware that they had scored points in the world championship until years later.

And I never said a word about Monaco. All you can say about that track is that it's the glamor event, and has been grandfathered.

Circuit of the Americas Austin, Texas

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/s720x720/552907_431912926835053_219399881419693_1675854_1225260815_n.jpg

http://www.facebook.com/CircuitofTheAmericas/photos

Another view from the southeast looking northwest with downtown Austin in the background.

http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/7039/46093244161199919847921.jpg

http://www.facebook.com/CircuitofTheAmericas

The best 3 circuits for me.

1- SPA (most fun to drive, the pilots say)
2- MONACO (not for the track but overall)
3- INTERLAGOS (It's like a worse version of SPA with some hills and always exciting with a big crowd and also many chances of overtaking)

Among the current ones I like;

Monza, Suzuka and Shanghai.

However my all time favorite is "old" Hockenheimring.

My least favorite is Monaco.

And Elkhart Lake is deficient in several areas for F1, including safety, access, facilities and population base. The tracks have to pay a fee to F1 in the neighborhood of 20 million euros to host the race each year, and do not get a share of the TV money. So that ~25 million dollars has to be made up entirely from ticket sales. I don't see that happening out in the woods of northern Wisconsin.
Although I agree that Road America would require a lot of work to bring it up to F1 standards, I do take major issue with your contention that there is no fan base living nearby - RA is in EASTERN, not northern Wisconsin, about one hour north of metro Milwaukee (1.2M population), 2-3 hours north of Chicagoland (8-9M population), with another million+ people (including me) living within 1-2 hours drive time in the other directions. We're able to support a highly successful NFL team that plays their home games in a stadium that is located over an hour NORTH of RA and true major tournaments at very close by golf courses (Whistling Straits, Blackwolf Run, Erin Hills), after all!

Compare these demographic numbers with those of the Austin, TX, Indianapolis (major races at Indy draw 300-500K) and even Watkins Glen areas.

BTW, nice images of the progress on the Austin track, I was wondering how things were going there.

Mike

3- INTERLAGOS (It's like a worse version of SPA with some hills and always exciting with a big crowd and also many chances of overtaking)

There's a good chance of overtaking at the end of the pit straight but that's all really.
It can become spectacular if it rain though.


However my all time favorite is "old" Hockenheimring.

It was the fastest circuit in F1, but let's be serious, those races were boring as hell, 4 very long straight lines that had 3 chicanes + cars struggling with very low downforce in the stadium section, nothing special, a good chance to take an afternoon nap on Sunday afternoon.
Again, it was nice if it rained, cause like in Spa-Francorchamps, a part of the circuit would still be dry, like in 2000, but that was it's only special moment in the last years of existence, and even so, the big deal in what happened is that the McLaren MP4-15 sucked big time in rainy conditions having the same Bridgestone tiers as Ferrari, else they would have kept the grooves and win the race easily.

Although I agree that Road America would require a lot of work to bring it up to F1 standards, I do take major issue with your contention that there is no fan base living nearby - RA is in EASTERN, not northern Wisconsin, about one hour north of metro Milwaukee (1.2M population), 2-3 hours north of Chicagoland (8-9M population), with another million+ people (including me) living within 1-2 hours drive time in the other directions. We're able to support a highly successful NFL team that plays their home games in a stadium that is located over an hour NORTH of RA and true major tournaments at very close by golf courses (Whistling Straits, Blackwolf Run, Erin Hills), after all!

Compare these demographic numbers with those of the Austin, TX, Indianapolis (major races at Indy draw 300-500K) and even Watkins Glen areas.

BTW, nice images of the progress on the Austin track, I was wondering how things were going there.

Mike

Thanks, I'll be updating more often as the track progresses.

Laying asphalt down on T19 & T20
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/s720x720/524176_445493988810280_219399881419693_1716876_1654946823_n.jpg

Progress on the main grandstands
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/s720x720/527921_444386428921036_219399881419693_1712496_621827414_n.jpg

http://www.facebook.com/CircuitofTheAmericas

F1 RETURNS TO ARGENTINA IN 2013-2014-2015?

Proposed street circuit in Mar del Plata

http://i50.tinypic.com/15ydxd3.jpg

F1 RETURNS TO ARGENTINA IN 2013-2014-2015?
Proposed street circuit in Mar del Plata

That's an interesting circuit, but I could not figure out where the pits would be.

Another concern is the belief that the Argentinian government might start another war over the Falkland Islands, which would destroy any chance of an F1 race.

Laying asphalt down on T19 & T20

These are great pix. Thanks for providing them.

That's an interesting circuit, but I could not figure out where the pits would be.

Another concern is the belief that the Argentinian government might start another war over the Falkland Islands, which would destroy any chance of an F1 race.

There will be no war over the Malvinas Islands ...Argentina is a peaceful country!

There will be no war over the Malvinas Islands ...Argentina is a peaceful country!
I hope so. Maybe another 30 years of peace will convince me.

Oh, no. Not another Monaco wanna be like Valencia.
What's wrong with Argentina's old circuit? It was nice, can't they renovate it and bring it to standards?

That's an interesting circuit, but I could not figure out where the pits would be.


red area on the pier

Argentina deserves F1. It would be nice to see races there again.

^^ +1 :banana:

Oh, no. Not another Monaco wanna be like Valencia.
What's wrong with Argentina's old circuit? It was nice, can't they renovate it and bring it to standards?

It's not shiny brand new.

There is no chance of F1 going to Argentina

There is no chance of F1 going to Argentina

of course there is

just need to wave a bunch of dolars to Ecclestone

Argentine has a good circuit in buenos aires. it would be very good if formula1 had 2 races in the South America.

It would be very good if formula1 had 2 races in the South America.
Why is it that Chile never hosts any international racing?

Here are some recent pictures from the COTA website. They are great photos but it is hard to tell just how hilly the track really is because of how high up the photos were taken. There are some very nice hills. Looks like lots of fun. =)

Edit: Also here is a video of Alexis DeJoria. She is a drag racer and daughter of Austin billionaire (and COTA investor) John Paul DeJoria who founded John Paul Mitchel hair products, Patron Spirits and many other companies, who is the guy with the gray ponytail you can see her talking to in the beginning of the video.

p9oUAKLHPb8

http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/7039/46093244161199919847921.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/458160_451638778195801_219399881419693_1732591_464001268_o.jpg

There will be no war over the Malvinas Islands ...Argentina is a peaceful country!

Peaceful country or not, Argentina doesn't possess the military hardware to wage a war for the Falkland Islands even if she wanted to.

Location of the Austin, TX track (Circuit of the Americas):

http://maps.google.com/?ll=30.149284,-97.67189&spn=0.341408,0.441513&t=m&z=11

It is right above the word 'Elroy' in the center of the map.

Zoomed in:
http://maps.google.com/?ll=30.141045,-97.640562&spn=0.04268,0.055189&t=m&z=14

Aerial image of site (early stages of construction):
http://maps.google.com/?ll=30.140822,-97.640734&spn=0.04268,0.055189&t=h&z=14

Another pre-construction aerial view. Note that the actual course is visible - drawn out as a cleared path through the scrub brush:
http://binged.it/IWj6eC

Mike

Sao Paulo circuit, Interlagos, will solve one of the biggest critics by the teams, the small space for the padock.

http://f.i.uol.com.br/folha/esporte/images/12130447.jpeg
http://f.i.uol.com.br/folha/esporte/images/12130259.jpeg

source: http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/esporte/1087769-entenda-e-veja-como-deve-ficar-interlagos-a-partir-de-2013.shtml

This is a very good project. I think the change in paddock and start/finish line will give a new dimension to the track, just like in Silverstone.

they should restore old fast circuit
http://s019.radikal.ru/i608/1205/af/26a82d9789cd.png

they should restore old fast circuit
Why?

Sao Paulo circuit, Interlagos, will solve one of the biggest critics by the teams, the small space for the padock.
I thought the reason no one ever built anything there was that area is a lake or river. How do they solve that, given the amount of rainfall in Sao Paulo?

NASCAR drivers and owners have been asked a couple of times if they'll be adding COTA to any of the schedules in the future, and the answers are always a resounding No.

...Why the heck not? Couldn't you make a good circuit out of it for cars somehow?

NASCAR drivers and owners have been asked a couple of times if they'll be adding COTA to any of the schedules in the future, and the answers are always a resounding No.

...Why the heck not? Couldn't you make a good circuit out of it for cars somehow?
I suppose that they could do that, if they just used the north end of the circuit. But that would require new grandstands and pits. It would be similar to the short circuit at Suzuka. They had to cut out much of the interesting parts at Watkins Glen and Sears Point, so that cup cars could handle it, and this is a longer track. The south end is more technical, and better suited for the non-cars that F1 uses.

I thought the reason no one ever built anything there was that area is a lake or river. How do they solve that, given the amount of rainfall in Sao Paulo?

I didnt understand your question, but they are simply changing it to the part where there are a little forest inside the tracks, theres no river or lake there

Circuit of the Americas? WTF!!! change the name please, is horrible

Argentina deserves the F-1 grand prix

Circuit of the Americas? WTF!!! change the name please, is horrible

Argentina deserves the F-1 grand prix

Really? Why exactly? What has been done to deserve a race?

Circuit of the Americas? WTF!!! change the name please, is horrible

Argentina deserves the F-1 grand prix

Why? I like it.

The only bad thing is that it's name is "Circuit of the Americas" will host the United States Grand Prix, while Port Imperial Street Circuit will host the Grand Prix of the Americas/Grand Prix of America (as continent ) from 2013.

NASCAR drivers and owners have been asked a couple of times if they'll be adding COTA to any of the schedules in the future, and the answers are always a resounding No.

...Why the heck not? Couldn't you make a good circuit out of it for cars somehow?

Because NASCAR has a race in nearby Fort Worth. NASCAR doesn't like to have two races in the same area anymore. The reason they run Road America is because the nearby Milwaukee Mile shut down (temporarily).

Comedy answer: Because NASCAR only runs good tracks.

Why is it that Chile never hosts any international racing?

There is a nice project to bring the MotoGP to Santiago.
But F1....maybe in a couple centuries.

BTW, i like the Interlagos, Monza, Spa and Melbourne racecourts.

Change the name, USA are not the only country in America

Great circuit but the people of all Americas gonna hate this name

Change the name, USA are not the only country in America

Great circuit but the people of all Americas gonna hate this name

I could see this being a point if it was called the Circuit of America, but it's to represent all countries, so...no. The Americas.

Change the name, USA are not the only country in America

Great circuit but the people of all Americas gonna hate this nameYou are right in that the F1 race will be the US GP. But the race and track are not being marketed as US. F1 is not very big in the US. The reason they are building it in Austin, Texas is because it is central and south in the US and where most of the population is Hispanic. To market it to Latin America.

If they wanted it to be a US only track they would have built it on one of the coast, not in Texas by Texans.

Maybe in 2013 or 2014 they are going to switch the name of the Grand Prix's between Texas and New Jersey.

You are right in that the F1 race will be the US GP. But the race and track are not being marketed as US. F1 is not very big in the US. The reason they are building it in Austin, Texas is because it is central and south in the US and where most of the population is Hispanic. To market it to Latin America.

If they wanted it to be a US only track they would have built it on one of the coast, not in Texas by Texans.

Are you trying to tell me there are no hispanics in New York?

You must be seeing things because I said no such thing. Please go and read my post as I wrote it, or else show me where I said anything about New York.

Regarding Hispanics here is what I said... "The reason they are building it in Austin, Texas is because it is central and south in the US and where most of the population is Hispanic."

Nowhere in that statement did I say anything regarding NY. Get over yourself. Not everything everyone says about anywhere else in the world is in reference to NYC. There are other parts of the world, and other parts of the US even, and not everyone cares at all about New York.

However, now that you have gone and said something I will go and say that... Yes, in fact Texas has more Hispanic than New York. Not saying New York doesn't have any. NYC has a bit of everything. But Texas does have more. But more than that suggesting that the primary culture of NY is even remotely Hispanic is laughable. If someone was to have to go and read something that I didn't write, I would think maybe LA which is very Hispanic. But not NY.

For some reason I thought you were comparing Austin being hispanic to New York. Not sure where I got that (probably need to learn to read).

PS I've never been to NY, the closest I've ever been in Virginia so drop the attitude.

Why would they build Formula One for hispanics in the US?
Thats just crazy talk.

They aren't building a track just for hispanics. Joezierer just thought he read something that I didn't write and went way off topic.

Circuit of the Americas update:

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash2/s720x720/154584_462190250473987_219399881419693_1767895_912878745_n.jpg

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/s720x720/554437_460001870692825_219399881419693_1759149_780403696_n.jpg

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/s720x720/576724_453183194708026_219399881419693_1736884_184659121_n.jpg

http://www.facebook.com/CircuitofTheAmericas

The first corner is similar to the one on A1 Ring, a straight line ending uphill and a 90 degree corner, should be interesting.
Wonder how the other turns will be.

It's obvious from the design that the starting grid will have a "clean" side and a "dirty" side, giving a large advantage at the start to drivers on the "clean" side.