Bernie to scrap a GP each in Germany and Italy?

[Jack_Bauer]

With the financial problems hanging over the Hockenheim circuit and the local government issues bothering Monza could we end up seeing one of the two GPs held in Germany and Italy being scrapped? We all know that the idea of a "San Marino" GP has always been a silly one considering it's one of the smallest principalities in the world, and the circuit isn't even in San Marino. Also the idea of a "European" GP at the Nurburgring is a silly one too seeing as no other continent gets its own designated GP, and there are already over half a dozen other GPs in Europe anyway.

It has been reported in the German press that Hockenheim's owners are keen to switch the German GP between the two major German circuits from year to year. Sounds like a good cost cutting idea for the circuits, and a good cost cutting idea for the teams by shortening the current hectic calender a little bit. Though having said that Bernie will no doubt be keen to replace them with new GPs in far flung parts of the world. It's no secret that he is keen to have a GP each year in Africa, and there have been rumours of another possible race per year in North America, and maybe even one in Russia.

[lightweight]

I don't understand why it's financially viable to switch the German GP.

The Fixed costs will remain stable for each year. The Variable costs will be deleted each year, but so will the incomes.

This roughly means that the year that the GP will take place, the financial status will be the same as before.

I can only think that it will be better if the ticket sales rise because people will "miss" the GP since it will be held every second year

[lightweight]

http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns16064.html

This is relevant and might help

[Matra et Alpine]

Well as usual Jackie Stewart proven to be right in his "battles" against the F1 money men over the British GP and their demands for more money.

SOME coudl see what he was talking about, shame all that supported Bellm couldn't --- coz then Jackie may not have had to give ANY ground to FOA !!!!

I also find it amazign that according to http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=34779 Bernie NOW thinks 2 GPs alternating is a GOOD IDEA. Thats funny coz he was one of the reasons Britain stopped alternating between Brands and Silverstone. The little sh*t needs a good slap for being such a hypocrite

[lightweight]

Originally Posted by Matra et Alpine

Bernie NOW thinks 2 GPs alternating is a GOOD IDEA. Thats funny coz he was one of the reasons Britain stopped alternating between Brands and Silverstone. The little sh*t needs a good slap for being such a hypocrite

I am assuming that Bernie didn't like Brands and Silverstone alternating not because he was against the idea of "alternating GP's" but because the circumstances wouldn't permit such a move.

Bernie is running a business. If he thinks that the circumstances lead to an alternating GP format today, then why not?

You can't judge business decisions in the same way that you judge a person. You can't call a business move hypocritic.

[Matra et Alpine]

Originally Posted by lightweight

I am assuming that Bernie didn't like Brands and Silverstone alternating not because he was against the idea of "alternating GP's" but because the circumstances wouldn't permit such a move.

THAT was the NORM in the UK until Bernie said he didnt' want it that way !!

Bernie is running a business. If he thinks that the circumstances lead to an alternating GP format today, then why not?

You can't judge business decisions in the same way that you judge a person. You can't call a business move hypocritic.

NOT if you look at it as a business decision rather than an ill-conceived opinion with no input from others taken on board.

When a "business decision" is driven by a whim then it CAN be hypocritical.

There are MANY hypocritical business decisions in the world.

[Zytek_Fan]

On a BBC Sport article it states that the German GP could alternate between Hockenheim and the Nurburgring each year

[MrKipling]

It works as cost cutting because each promoter will only be spending £9m+ every other year.

I've always thought the idea of a European GP was silly, especially when there are so many other great circuits that should be, or be back on the calender.

I'd like to see the British GP alternating between Brans, Silverstone and London. Heh, i can dream can't I?

[Matra et Alpine]

oh god NO not London.

Street circuits are only thought "good" because of the Gran Turismo game community. It's sh!te for racing !!!!

If you're giong to put it anywhere else then Donnington PUHLEASE

But every 3 woudl be a lttle more difficult, 2 and make it Brands and Silverstone ( even though 10 years aga I HATED Silverstone )

[lightweight]

Originally Posted by Matra et Alpine

THAT was the NORM in the UK until Bernie said he didnt' want it that way !!

Exactly my opinion. Specific reasons led to a change in the status quo. If everybody was stuck to the norm then many things would be different.

Originally Posted by Matra et Alpine

NOT if you look at it as a business decision rather than an ill-conceived opinion with no input from others taken on board.

Having objections to the decision-making process in F1 is one thing. Characterising a business decision as ill-conceived because it was taken by only one person is another.

[henk4]

Originally Posted by Jack_Bauer

We all know that the idea of a "San Marino" GP has always been a silly one considering it's one of the smallest principalities in the world, and the circuit isn't even in San Marino.

I love that reasoning, can we also apply it to get rid of the jet-set sunday afternoon in Monaco, which has nothing to do with F1?

[Jack_Bauer]

Originally Posted by henk4

I love that reasoning, can we also apply it to get rid of the jet-set sunday afternoon in Monaco, which has nothing to do with F1?

Well at least the Monaco GP is actually IN Monaco, that has to work in its favour I guess.

Imola is barely even near to San Marino. In fact it's not even the closest race track, Misano is much closer to SM.

[henk4]

Originally Posted by Jack_Bauer

Well at least the Monaco GP is actually IN Monaco, that has to work in its favour I guess.

exactly that makes it the most boring race of the season.....

[Jack_Bauer]

Originally Posted by henk4

exactly that makes it the most boring race of the season.....

Not this year it didn't, it was a storming race!

[henk4]

Originally Posted by Jack_Bauer

Not this year it didn't, it was a storming race!

I had given up watching already, so I wouldn't know.