Formula One is Growing

Formula One was dealt a blow when the first race of the 2011 season had to be scratched due to political unrest in Bahrain. I have to agree its better in this day and age to be safe rather than sorry. Unfortunately the international attention an F1 event draws would have been a perfect platform for political controversy to raise its ugly head. With Middle East races in Abu Dhabi and Turkey also on the 2011 schedule, one has to wonder if similar problems might be in the offing there as well…

So the first race of this already unusual season will occur at the end of March in Melbourne Australia where the Australian Grand Prix will be run in this now 19 race season. Even with Bahrain still in the mix, I think its obvious F1 has plenty of room for more racing venues and dates…

With a reinvigorated United States Grand Prix contracted for the 2012 Formula One schedule at the now under construction Austin Texas venue, the highly innovative Formula One brand of racing is on the move. (By the way, isn’t it refreshing to see a group of racing enthusiasts come together with their local and state government officials, wade through what’s become a ridiculous permit process, a process that’s become nothing but a political means of stopping business growth and job creation, and push ahead with a major project that has already become a boon to the central Texas economy?)

To follow along with the track news and construction progress, here’s a link to the United States Grand Prix’s official site:
http://www.formula1unitedstates.com/


But back to the subject at hand…

Not too long ago the head of Formula One, Bernie Ecclestone let it be known he felt 20 races was the maximum number for a viable racing season but now that tune has been changed as interest in the sport continues to grow. It appears Bernie is willing to expand to as many as 25 races and the 2012 season may mark more venues being included on the F1 schedule beyond the United States Grand Prix… Currently 19 races are bound by contract for 2012 with Japan and Turkey (current race sites) not signed up but expected to be. With this comes the news of new tracks proposed for the Palma / Mallorca region of Spain (500 acre site featuring a 5km track with a 2012 completion date)

An artist's look at the Mallorca Site.

and Croatia (450 acres has been purchased and the planning has begun for a 2014 track completion date),

The proposed Croatian course...

and with the Russian Grand Prix remaining on track to join the circuit in 2014 and finally the possibility of a revived South African Grand Prix jumping back in the mix, Bernie’s 25 race season could very well become a reality in the not too distant future…