Red Bull bring back the A1 Ring

[Duke]

Got to hand it to Red Bull for spending the cash on buying the track and getting it up to spec. Looks like a good venue for a range of cars and bikes.

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2011/05/16/f1-cars-run-a1-ring/

Red Bull brought F1 back to the A1 Ring last weekend to celebrate the re-opening of the track.

The circuit, which was originally known as the Osterreichring, has been renamed the Red Bull Ring. It hosted the Austrian Grand Prix in its original guide from 1970 to 1987 and in its later form from 1997 to 2003.

The circuit’s configuration remains unchanged from when it last held the Austrian Grand Prix eight years ago.

Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber were among the drivers present at the official opening ceremony.

The event also featured exhibition runs of classic F1 cars as well as demonstration laps by the Red Bull at Toro Rosso drivers.

Red Bull chief technical officer Adrian Newey took to the track in a BMW M3. Vettel left his mark in the wet cement at the circuit including an impression of his ‘number one’ finger gesture.

Bernie Ecclestone and Austrian former F1 drivers Niki Lauda, Gerhard Berger and Helmut Marko were also present.

 

[dannyjo22]

That was one of the best circuit on the grid for overtaking 97 to 2003. One of the few well designed modern tracks.

One of my favourite tracks, always threw up better races than the tracks that are always lorded as great but give little action.

 

[gord]

I was quite happy reading that and then.. I was hit with overwhelming rage..

 

[JRS]

It's sort of a pity that they couldn't revive the old Österreichring layout, but danny's right - the A1-Ring as used from '97 to '03 was a pretty decent race track. Good to see it back in use.

 

[TaKeN]

Krikey, hats off to them for doing that

 

[Glaucus]

Sweet, but I take it they aren't going to try and get it back on the f1 Callander?

 

[dannyjo22]

It's sort of a pity that they couldn't revive the old Österreichring layout, but danny's right - the A1-Ring as used from '97 to '03 was a pretty decent race track. Good to see it back in use.

I really regret not going there, especially in 97 when I had the chance, lovely scenery and a great place to watch cars and take some piccies.

I'd love them to put it back and have the chance to go again

 

[FrankJH]

Glad to see that the track is going to be used again - would be nervous as anything if it somehow got back on the F1 calender

The appearance of bias is just as bad as if there is actually bias imo and any one team owning a circuit that holds races is just totally wrong (or a parent company of a team holding the commercial F1 rights for that matter)

 

[Skeeter]

Glad to see that the track is going to be used again - would be nervous as anything if it somehow got back on the F1 calender

The appearance of bias is just as bad as if there is actually bias imo and any one team owning a circuit that holds races is just totally wrong (or a parent company of a team holding the commercial F1 rights for that matter)

??? You what?

You know Honda own Suzuka right, and Toyota own Fuji Speedway? And how does owning a track somehow get your bias? Its not like you can run unlimited testing there all year long!

 

[Fr0dders]

bejesus the red bull bloke must be absolutely minted

Two F1 teams, sponsors more sports events / team that most of us have had hot dinners, and now adds an F1 circuit as well for good measure ?

Still, better than doing a Bill Gates and amassing a fortune and then giving it all to charity.

 

[Indy500]

Well it's had some interesting races in the past:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_rZbnPbYnI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5r2WhuSXO9Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qkw1-J6EoGg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohCu1DSvP1A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JI2olgOcR1g

 

[Skeeter]

I'm a little bit dissapointed in the track to be honest. When Red Bull bought it they released plans on how they wanted to expand it and make the track longer and better. However, they appear to have just dusted off the old tarmac, given it a lick of paint, and re-opened it.

Still, its nice to hear news of circuits opening rather than more stories of them closing due to noise/funds/whinging neighbours.

 

[Kerming]

Still, its nice to hear news of circuits opening rather than more stories of them closing due to noise/funds/whinging neighbours.

+1

 

[Deleted member 66701]

bejesus the red bull bloke must be absolutely minted

$3.7 billion total worth

Still, better than doing a Bill Gates and amassing a fortune and then giving it all to charity.

I hope that's sarcasm.

 

[Quint]

Great track, one of my fav's on F1 '97 on the playstation.

 

[FrankJH]

??? You what?

You know Honda own Suzuka right, and Toyota own Fuji Speedway? And how does owning a track somehow get your bias? Its not like you can run unlimited testing there all year long!

Yes I know - but its slightly different given that Fuji / Suzuka have had those owners for donkeys years so any potential bias is all but iradicated

Honda raced at their track.....once ......while being an owner (after all wasnt the Japanese GP alternating at that point? ) , admittedly BAR Honda probably raced there a good few times

I still dont think its a good idea (just like I didnt like the official time keepers of F1 having links to McLaren - still the same "second" or "minute" to everyone else, but money changing hands behind the scenes for that title, or holding that race imo doenst look good )

 

[Emlyn_Dewar]

I'm a little bit dissapointed in the track to be honest. When Red Bull bought it they released plans on how they wanted to expand it and make the track longer and better. However, they appear to have just dusted off the old tarmac, given it a lick of paint, and re-opened it.

I've always really liked this track, in this case, it really doesn't need much more than the "lick of paint" sort of treatment.
I'd love to see it back on the calendar, regardless of who happened to own the circuit.

 

[englishpremier]

Very short track though. I reckon we'd see the HRTs lapped 10 times if F1 went back.

I'd love to have it on the calendar though.

 

[Skeeter]

Yes I know - but its slightly different given that Fuji / Suzuka have had those owners for donkeys years so any potential bias is all but iradicated

Honda raced at their track.....once ......while being an owner (after all wasnt the Japanese GP alternating at that point? ) , admittedly BAR Honda probably raced there a good few times

I still dont think its a good idea (just like I didnt like the official time keepers of F1 having links to McLaren - still the same "second" or "minute" to everyone else, but money changing hands behind the scenes for that title, or holding that race imo doenst look good )

?? Your still making no sence? How can owning a track give you an advantage? You cant go testing there any more than anyone else can. And the official tests for F1 are determined by the FIA, not the teams.

Do you honestly believe that sponsorship deals in F1 are some sort of front for back handers and bribary to sway F1 results??!?! Just... LOL!