Formula 1 - 2012 season

[peter]

The collapse of the Spanish economy may result in Spain losing at least one of it's present F1 fixtures.


The government of Valencia has confirmed that they are looking to renegotiate their contract with F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

The Spanish port city has hosted the European Grand Prix since 2008 and their current deal, which is reportedly worth €20.5 million per race, runs until 2014.

However, Vice-President of the Generalitat Valenciana Jose Ciscar says they are looking to reduce costs and plan to write to Ecclestone.

Although he concedes that the major sporting events provide "significant value" to Valencia, Ciscar revealed that they are "under full and absolute review" as "they are not viable as they have been until now".

He admitted to El Pais that it would be difficult to cancel the contract as the financial penalty is likely to be higher.

He added: "I have not had time to read the contract and do not know the impact it would have [if the deal is cancelled]."

[serge]

Senna to Williams?

[catalanglais]

Hope so. It will be a crying shame if he doesn't get a drive.

[Brian and Helen]

Really? I never rated Bruno Senna that highly - I think there are better people around, but we'll see (and of course he can bring the money).

Re Valencia - that would be a big relief - it vies with Bahrein as the most boring GP of the year, every year. Perhaps as Paul Ricard are interested in getting back into things, they could step in to host the European? Or maybe we could revert to the Nurburgring? Brands? Zandvoort? A-Ring? San Marino? Estoril?

I could get all excited!

Brian

[peter]

I think the idea is to alternate French and Belgian GP's to keep that slot rather than replacing a GP ?

[Brian and Helen]

I think the idea is to alternate French and Belgian GP's to keep that slot rather than replacing a GP ?

Yep, that's what I read too. Pity because I always think Spa is one of the highlights of the year, but better every two years than not at all.

Brian

[peter]

French GP update :


http://www.planetf1.com/driver/3213/7415839/French-GP-announcement-imminent-report

[catalanglais]

Once again the Bahrain race is in jeopardy. (not that it would be a great loss - I totally agree with you there, Brian! )

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/andrewbenson ... cerns.html

And yes, I do quite like Bruno Senna.

[Brian and Helen]

I read this morning that the Spanish GP at Circuit de Cataluna is also in jeopardy. The Catalan regional govt. has the same problems as Valencia.

Brian

[catalanglais]

That would be a big blow!

[catalanglais]

They're talking about it down here in the press now. Moto GP too!

http://www.lindependant.fr/2012/01/10/l ... 104735.php

[peter]

Things are not looking good for Kubica ?

Robert Kubica's return to full fitness suffered a major setback on Wednesday after he broke his leg during a fall.



More : http://www.planetf1.com/driver/3213/742 ... uring-fall

[catalanglais]

Such a terrible shame!

[Brian and Helen]

Ah well, bang goes his potential drive at Ferrari - they're not going to hang around.

Bad luck all round, but I can't help feeling he's been a bit of a prat, much though I admire his driving.

Brian

[catalanglais]

A prat for driving a rally car? I totally agree with you, Brian. And yes, it would seem doubtful that he'll get his Ferrari drive now, which really is a pity. It would have been very exciting to see him in a competitive car. (Supposing the Ferrari IS competitive, of course! )

[Brian and Helen]

Of course the Ferrari is going to be competitive!

It could never be otherwise (allowing for the Red Bull and McLaren cheats).

"Stop Making With Those Negative Waves!" (with acknowledgement to Oddball in KH)

Tifoso

[catalanglais]

I must confess, whilst not an out and out Ferrari fan (mainly because I dislike Alonso - although recognise his brilliance as a driver- and disliked Jean Todt), I was at Silverstone watching the mid season testing a few years ago, and the sound of the Ferrari engine was like nothing you've ever heard - it was completely different from everything else in the paddock. And with Schumacher behind the wheel, it was a veritable sight to behold. Class.

Happy memories

[Brian and Helen]

I agree with you Cat about Alonso, he's not my favourite man in the paddock, but even I have to confess that he's shown his class in the last two seasons, so he's elicited a certain grudging approbation from me.

In many respects the Ferraris have been a couple of percent short and he's taken what he's been given and absolutely wrung its neck - we might not like him, but respect where it's due.

Pity Massa's fallen off.

Brian

[catalanglais]

You've absolutely hit the nail on the head where Alonso is concerned, Brian. Can't bring myself to like the chap but can't help but admire and respect his talent.

Yes, you're right about Massa. It's a shame he never lived up to his early promise.

[Brian and Helen]

Yes, you're right about Massa. It's a shame he never lived up to his early promise.

Well remember, he was nearly world champion in 2009 - pipped (literally) at the last second in Brazil. I don't think he's recovered his confidence after that terrible head injury in 2010 - and who can blame him?

Brian

[catalanglais]

Yes quite. I also think any restoration to his confidence has been seriously undermined by the necessity for him to play second fiddle to Alonso. A great shame.

Senna has just been confirmed for Williams.

[Sandra]

anyone know how the new sky channel will work ? ie is it included in the sports packages ? I know bbc are still going to show some races.

[catalanglais]

Apparently it is included in your Sky sub if you have Sky HD, Sandra.

The BBC will be showing ten live races this year.

We're still working things through and are not in a position to confirm everything yet - but we are able to reveal some of the headlines: including which races we will be covering live; and how we intend to broadcast highlights of the rest.

The first thing to stress is that we will be at every race, bringing the season to life for BBC TV viewers.
In terms of coverage, we'll have 10 of the races live, which are: China (15 April), Spain (3 May), Monaco (27 May), Europe (24 June), Britain (8 July), Belgium (2 September), Singapore (23 September), Korea (14 October), Abu Dhabi (4 November), Brazil (25 November).

For the other races we will run extended highlights a few hours after the chequered flag.

The plan is that races in the Far East time zone, which take place early in the morning in the UK, will be run as a two-hour show at 2pm.

And for highlights of European GPs we're looking to run 90-minute programmes, going out at 5.30pm

taken from their website

[Brian and Helen]

Well, Serge and Cat - you've got your wish, Senna has signed for Williams, alongside Maldonaldo.

Risky choice for Williams, dropping Barrichelo and all his experience, let's see how they get on.

Brian

[Sandra]

Apparently it is included in your Sky sub if you have Sky HD, Sandra.

i have a full package but not HD , Mr Sandra will not be happy as this is the only sport he really likes....