Argentina & Mexico look into hosting F1

Duke · 17 Jun 2011 at 13:08

Quite a good article below about Argentina & Mexico both looking into hosting F1 races, with a new track and upgraded track.

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2011/06/17/argentina-mexico-examine-f1-track-possibilities/

Could be a few years off yet, however I don't see them dropping some of the tracks in the far east which are paying a lot? I can see Valencia being dropped but that only really brings it back to 20 races.

Glaucus · 17 Jun 2011 at 13:15

It be gret to get more tracks, but as you say 20s the limit. Perhaps 6 tracks a year should be flexible, like the European gp. One for each continent.
Africa, America, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, and Europe.
Or something similar.

Would leave 14 core tracks.

Like the look of the Argentina circuit. Looks impressive. Also looks like they want it regardless of f1.

GravyMonster · 17 Jun 2011 at 13:33

In a perfect world, Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Valencia would be first against the wall.

If F1 wants to visit south America, I'd like to see Potrero de los Funes upgraded for F1 use. It's an amazing track with gradient change, awesome corners and lots of overtaking places.

Here's a vid of FIA GT racing there a few years ago.

elmuzzy66. · 17 Jun 2011 at 13:46

Hopefully argentina get a slot in the calendar. Wouldn't mind seeing the argies face when god save the queen is played

godinman · 17 Jun 2011 at 14:09

Will they be running on fuel derived from Falklands oil? Bahahaha etc.

arknor · 17 Jun 2011 at 14:33

i heard they are going to retake the falklands islands and turn it into a racing circuit ^_^

not like we have the aircraft carriers to stop them buahahahah

dannyjo22 · 17 Jun 2011 at 15:01

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2008/01/17/f1-circuits-history-part-13-1995-8/#buenosaires

I used to like the old argentina circuit especially in the highspeed format before the change. You can see the old high speed section in the top photo. Shame they can't just make one circuit like that in a high speed format

Weebull · 17 Jun 2011 at 15:32

If it's anywhere in Argentina, make that absolutely gorgeous one that goes round the lake please.

Spunkey said:
If F1 wants to visit south America, I'd like to see Potrero de los Funes upgraded for F1 use. It's an amazing track with gradient change, awesome corners and lots of overtaking places.

Oh yeah, this one.

It won't happen though, new F1 tracks have to stay fairly compact so grandstanders can get good views.

JRS · 17 Jun 2011 at 16:27

I did use to enjoy the Mexican GP. Especially when stuff like this happened:

I suspect that if they went back to that track then the Peraltada would be the first corner to go, though

Skillmister · 19 Jun 2011 at 12:46

JRS said:
I did use to enjoy the Mexican GP. Especially when stuff like this happened:

I suspect that if they went back to that track then the Peraltada would be the first corner to go, though

Ahhh i love all that darting side to side battling

Sampsy · 19 Jun 2011 at 17:14

f1 on the moon please.

Duke · 18 Dec 2011 at 18:12

Building work started on the Argentina track - http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/12/17/motor-racing-argentina-track-idUKL3E7NH01O20111217

Friday marked a ground-breaking ceremony of the 4.7 km Velociudad Speedcity circuit in Zarate, 100 km from the capital, which designers Populous said will be capable of returning F1 to the South American country.

The $100 million project will be completed in two phases and will include South America's first driver trainer centre and academy. The first phase, a 3.1 km track, 4x4 off-road circuit and team garages, is scheduled to be completed in 14 months.

The second phase will extend the track to its full length, making it eligible for a license from the International Automobile Federation (FIA), which governs motorsport.

The same company that did the Silverstone upgrades.

Skeeter · 18 Dec 2011 at 23:15

I think tracks should pair up and alternate. Then we could have up to 40 tracks. It works for the Ring and Hockenheim.

FrankJH · 19 Dec 2011 at 00:08

Duke said:
Quite a good article below about Argentina & Mexico both looking into hosting F1 races, with a new track and upgraded track.

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2011/06/17/argentina-mexico-examine-f1-track-possibilities/

Could be a few years off yet, however I don't see them dropping some of the tracks in the far east which are paying a lot? I can see Valencia being dropped but that only really brings it back to 20 races.

With Alonso's popularity (without even considering him being a Ferrari driver), can you really see a Spanish race going?

Its a boring track, and I dont believe many drivers particularly like it, but I cant see it going ( also while I love it being a global sport, I hope the "heart" of F1 stays in Western Europe)

Skeeter said:
I think tracks should pair up and alternate. Then we could have up to 40 tracks. It works for the Ring and Hockenheim.

Ive always thought the only reason this agreement works is because they are in the same country - why would x country pay $100's of millions to assist country y's tourism (while assisting their own admittedly) - I cant see a middle eastern track partnering Argentina for example, or a european track partnering Mexico.

I like the idea of 14 or so races staying constant every year (Aus, GB, Belgium, Japan, Brazil to start with) and then 12 alternating every other year, Im just not sure even Bernie would get so many different governments / sponsors / etc etc to agree

Indy500 · 19 Dec 2011 at 15:04

Too bad Argentina's drivers (other than Fangio) pretty much sucked. Fontana's obvious blocking of JV at the 1997 championship decider was particularly embarrassing, given how quickly he let Schumacher through.

Skeeter · 19 Dec 2011 at 15:20

That Potrero de los Funes track is great!

Not many grandstands or really anywhere for spectators through.

Noroom · 6 Jan 2012 at 23:48

I'd rather make sure the core races are safe, went to SPA in 09', you feel the history and the track is something else. Valencia needs to go, Barcelona is enough. As long as the track is good I'm all for the race.

pingwing · 7 Jan 2012 at 00:50

sr4470 said:
Too bad Argentina's drivers (other than Fangio) pretty much sucked. Fontana's obvious blocking of JV at the 1997 championship decider was particularly embarrassing, given how quickly he let Schumacher through.

Wasn't that in the t/c's of the engine deal....