Perhaps it’s the recent rise of the street circuit or the lack of undulation on modern circuits, but I can’t shake the feeling that viewers of 2013 Formula One are being robbed of some of racing’s most exquisite tracks.
It’s made me reflect on those circuits we’ve had stripped from the calendar and how the commercial nature of Formula One is influencing decisions in track design that tarnish ‘quality’ racing.
A common thread I’ve noticed between these tracks I’ve listed is that they are not as thrilling for track side viewing as they come across on the television screen.
Yet as I say that, tracks such as Spa still have a place on the calendar despite giving little viewing opportunities because of its design and location. It hardly then seems a fitting excuse.
The true reason for the rapid rise of the street circuit is that it seems to be the perfect match that meets both the racing and the commercial needs of organisers.
You can put spectators virtually on top of the action at almost any corner of the track and the urban location gives arguably greater economical benefits to the host country and therefore the sport in general.
Though is that coming at the cost of more traditional racing style? Hermann Tilke’s redesign of Hockenheim remains as one of the greatest catastrophes of modern racing, in my book.
It destroyed the essence of that track. What was once a track with a technical final sector and a sweeping, forest filled middle sector is now a slow mess and has no ‘identity.’
Here are three exceptional tracks that would give the championship a much needed lift in race quality.
#1: Magny-Cours
There are several things the world needs more of: Peace, prosperity and fast chicanes. France’s greatest piece of tarmac outside of Circuit La Sarthe, Magny-Cours, delivers the latter in spades.
The ‘Imola’ chicane’s inside kerb (turn 12) is blind upon entry and will certainly punish any driver that misses the mark. It’s fast and a pleasure to watch as drivers snake their way through before scrambling for the brakes into turn 14.
The closest thing we have to the Estoril turn, with its big test of when to put the foot down out of the corner, is Spoon at Suzuka. The turn very long. It feeds beautifully into a fast back straight with a great overtaking opportunity at the end hairpin.
Of the tracks listed, it’s the most stop/start in nature. However the elements in between the slower sections complement this well. France still has good driver participation in Formula One and the fans would support a return to the country for sure. Magny-Cours would also remain the better option instead of circuit Paul Ricard if a French track were to make a return.
#2: Red Bull (A1) Ring
Redesigned by Tilke as a safety measure in 1996, and still kept its basic structure with a shortened length. The whole track has wonderful flow to it and plenty of undulation to keep the drivers on edge.
The drive up to turn 2 presents a great overtaking opportunity, at the peak of the track, for anyone who got a nice drive out of the opening turn.
The track is simplicity defined. There’s no complex elements to the track and it is capped off nicely with two speedy right hand turns a-la Monza, with a bit more kerb use.
And what about that scenery? Literally no other racetrack in the world can combine such wonderful views and good racing so well. Just check out the view when coming out of turn one.
#3: Istanbul Park
The latest victim of the Ecclestone axe. Removed from the Formula One calendar after 2011 when organisers failed to negotiate a new contract. A real pity, because for mine this was the second best track on the calendar following Spa.
Like the Belgian masterpiece, this Turkish track is home to one of the best turns in world racing. The four apex turn 8 is a monster and a great lesson in nailing a perfect racing line to set yourself up for the perfect exit. Not an easy thing when clipping four inside corners at full speed. Great to behold.
The back straight is as good as they come and is an excellent overtaking opportunity in the both its second half of the straight and the following turn.
Also rivals Melbourne for the best opening turn on the calendar. Action guaranteed with the dipping left hand bend. Would love to see a return for the track, not just for its fun style of racing, but just so I can admire that pit complex once more.
Looking for great odds on racing and sport? Get into the action with PlayUp today. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
Team Penske is under the same umbrella of ownership as the IndyCar Series itself, so it was imperative for to drop the hammer and protect their integrity—which, thankfully, they did.
Red Bull can’t rest on its laurels and if Perez can’t provide them with cover on the rare days that Verstappen is having trouble, it's time to look elsewhere.
The absolute vitriol against the Canadian that has come from the incident is beyond reprehensible.
The Long Beach Grand Prix is the Monaco of American motorsport, and this past weekend, the IndyCar Series reminded everyone exactly why. We witnessed…
New Zealand made a triumphant return to the Supercars championship calendar since the demise of the much-loved Pukekohe Park Raceway – as Taupō delivered…
It’s time that serious questions are asked of his Lance Stroll and his future in the team.
