Now this will of course change weekly until mid 2016 when they add the grand prix of north korea, but the first provisional draft calender is circulating. Thought I would use this opportunity to finally get a 2016 news and rumours topic going Note the later start as El_B mentioned in t'other thread. HOW THE 2016 F1 CALENDAR COULD LOOK April 3 - Australia (Albert Park) April 10 - China (Shanghai) April 24 - Bahrain (Sakhir) May 1 - Russia (Sochi) May 15 - Spain (Barcelona) May 29 - Monaco (Monte Carlo) June 12 - Canada (Montreal) June 26 - Britain (Silverstone) July 3 - Austria (Red Bull Ring) July 17 - Europe (Baku) July 31 - Germany (Hockenheim) August 7 - Hungary (Hungaroring) August 28 - Belgium (Spa) September 4 - Italy (Monza) September 18 - Singapore (Marina Bay) September 25 - Malaysia (Sepang) October 9 - Japan (Suzuka) October 23 - USA (Austin) October 30 - Mexico (Mexico City) November 13 - Brazil (Interlagos) November 27 - Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina)
Only a 3 week break in August! Doesn't give team staff much of a break when you think they have to pack up after Hungary and be ready at spa 21 days later! Not much of a shutdown.
I feel for the mechanics, after doing the Mini Challenge last season which were about a month apart from each other, having 7 back to back races may be good for spectators but this must be horrible for the teams who have to do 45+ hour weekends!
Alonso may retire at the end of the year? http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/32503163 What a relief he and McLaren have a 3 year 'unbreakable' contract ......
Sounds like Piquet Jr is just siring things and getting his name mentioned. Alonso said at the very beginning that the first year would be bad and just development. I don't particularly like Alonso but he is a very very good driver and great at getting the most out of any car he drives.
Why do they have to condense it so much - And hop around the globe with no particular pattern next year. Feel for the teams.
It would be more logical to start East and move West from start to finish. Logistically it would be better and all the kit would be in Europe for the Summer break.
Q: How is Fernando’s contractual situation? Some say he committed only for one year, hoping to clinch a Mercedes-Benz deal; others say it’s two years with an option for another year; others say it’s three years… Ron Dennis: He has a straight three-year contract with us, with no options. It’s as simple as that. That’s what we wanted to offer him, and that’s what he wanted to sign. I can’t make it plainer than that, can I? Well at least we now know that he doesn't have a three year contract http://www.formula1.com/content/fom...--honda-innovation-should-concern-rivals.html
It really wouldn't. Logistically, doing six Asian races in one go would be a nightmare since all the teams are based in Europe. They wouldn't stay out there for two months with all their gear, team personnel would want to get home and see their families, upgrades and spare parts would need to be shipped out. Realistically they'd never do more than two races back to back before heading back to base, if they then fly out for two more in Asia, or America or stay in Europe it makes little difference. There are other things to consider too, you wouldn't really want to be driving in F1 car in Dubai in June for example, and Montreal would be seriously cold if you left it until the end of the season. They should make more effort to pair races up though. This season was a complete balls up with Australia and Malaysia as stand-alones and China paired up with Bahrain. And then a three week break for no reason.
There is a difference between being logistically sensible and being employer friendly! Shipping a full F1 circus backwards and forwards is not cost effective, teams shiping additional kit out in small amounts is. I do agree that from a staff percepective it would be a nightmare, but spending 2 months solid out east, have a break, 2 months solid in Europe with a break and then 2 months out west and finish the season is a reaonable and would be more cost effective than it is now.
Haas F1 Team going to be about as close to a year old customer car as you can get. http://plus.autosport.com/premium/f...f1-team/?_ga=1.33068926.1119426682.1392466780
Iran could host a GP. If so i'll quit watching. Don't want my favourite sport associated with a babaric ****hole. F1 has taken enough bad turns already.
I get the feeling that Alex Lynn could be dangerously close to pushing for that Williams seat, he is on their books after all. Maybe a Friday driver if Massa looks to be heading towards retirement. Esteban Ocon is also knocking about looking for a drive after a bit of a sideways step this year. I'm probably just being naive though, these are young talents not ageing middle-grounders with a huge wallet.
Add Stoffel Vandoorne and Kev Magnussen to that list as well. Many people knocking on the door. The old generation of (I can't believe it is time to say this), Massa/Kimi/Button/Alonso may be coming to and end.