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.
Mat Coch
Roar Guru
Korea has a contract until 2016, with options for another 5 years. The cost of termination would be close to the cost of hosting the event, one suspects. However Mexico has some very interesting people involved in whatever Tequila swilling they are doing there.
Mat Coch
Roar Guru
Magny-Cour is in the middle of the French countryside. It is a pain to get to and there is nowhere to stay. If the French GP returns it will be at Paul Ricard. Bernie owns it. The A1 Ring was a castrated Osterriechring; interesting but all the truly interesting bits had been chopped off. Red Bull now owns it and has spent some money, but it too has little in the way of accommodation nearby. Istanbul Park needs to find a promoter willing to throw money away. It's the favorite circuit of most drivers but if it can't pay the bills it can't host Formula One.
Alex Morrison
Guest
There will be no 2014 Korean gp and I would love to see Magny-cours Indianapolis Imola Algrave A1 ring Mexico South Africa Adelade Watkins Glen and I want rid of all the UAE
Mark Young
Roar Guru
Actually I am with Hansie, breathed a big sigh of relief when Magny Cours was off the calendar. Road America never actually hosted a Grand Prix but by gar it would be a good circuit to have one on though. Rather pleased with the Circuit of the Americas though, top track! Wouldn't mind seeing an F1 machine driver around Clermont Ferrand to be honest, the track made 1970 World Champion Jochen Rindt car sick!
Hansie
Guest
The best track of the lot is Road America - I know it isn't an F1 circuit, but it's a fantastic track with plenty of fast corners and elevation changes. It's an excellent test of driver skill. And I can't agree about Magny Cours - I found that to be one of the most boring tracks on the F1 calendar.
Mark Young
Roar Guru
Good on you Alexander! Totally agree about the A1-ring. I was devestated when they left earlier last decade, it was a cracker of a track. They had to do about 80 laps from memory since it was about a 67 second lap. Awesome track though. And it is ironic that they got rid of the best Tilkedrome in Turkey! It is a terrific place to watch a motor race. Christopher Hilton has written a terrific book about F1 circuits, where he covers pretty much every one ever used. Well worth seeking out! Good article mate, keep writing!
Frankie Hughes
Guest
F1 needs to branch back out into South America. A race in Argentina, the home of the great Juan Manual Fangio would be amazing. A race in Mexico would also be excellent. The grid has two exciting Mexicans so it makes seen. Tracks like Imola and Magny Cours should never have been removed. Terrible venues like Korea, Bahrain, China and Valencia are killing F1
Dale D
Guest
Other than that, if it was not for the logical hangups of "why cant we go back to these tracks"... I agree with you. They were amazing, and that bygone era of racing was amazing.
Dale D
Guest
Hockenhheim was redesigned because the long forest section saw far too much speed. Many of these redesigns were down to safety issues. That is also what drives new designs. Istanbul was not well attended.