Following on from the discussion on whether Catalunya is challenging enough, I was wondering whether between us we could name enough challenging tracks to produce a full race calendar, of say 15 or more tracks? The obvious (to me) inclusions are the likes of Spa, Istanbul, Silverstone, Monaco, Interlagos, Suzuka, Monza and maybe Montreal. But what other tracks do you think really earn their place on the calendar, and which tracks do you feel are too processional and easy for the drivers? All tracks from the past and the present can be chosen, with the only condition(s) being that they must still exist, and not be deemed unsafe. I'm just curious what other people think, does Sepang for example qualify as a challenging circuit? And do any other Tilke creations deserve a place on the not606 dream calendar?
I dont like circuits with huge run off areas that offer no punishment for going wide. It makes it far too easy for drivers and thats part of the reason why I love street circuits, and have a lot of respect for those who do well at street circuits. I think if a driver makes an error they should pay for it, like Alonso did in Monaco last year. That would separate the men from the boys. The Yas Marina is a perfect example of an easy track - the most challenging part of the circuit is probably the pit exit. Overtaking is also difficult on that circuit, so I dont like Yas Marina at all.
I've always disliked Monaco, great fun to race on a vidoe game, but as a spectator spectacle all it has is history. And Brands and Donnington over Silverstone any day, far more challenging for drivers and teams IMO. Sad that Imola is of the calender, and I've always liked Austria's A1.
I agree that these tarmac run-off areas incorporated into the new circuits are as much a blight on racing as the one at La Source because there's no penalty at all for getting a corner wrong. I don't think I'd like to see any more circuits punish a driver quite as harshly as Monaco does, though. What's wrong with gravel traps? They can impede or even curtail a driver's progress in the race. I realise tarmac is meant to be safer because cars going off at speed have at least a hope of braking on tarmac rather than skimming across the top of gravel, but it does spoil the racing. Sepang is quite challenging for the drivers, isn't it, in terms of the sapping heat and humidity? Monaco is a mental challenge because of the concentration required. Most of the challenges of older circuit were neutered after 1994 either on safety grounds or because of the relentless advances in aerodynamic efficiency and downforce. Plus drivers are a lot fitter (and, dare I say, more mentally agile) these days. In terms of driver ability it's often only one or two corners on any given circuit that are challenging. I think that's really why Monaco will remain on the calendar indefinitely. It does have history and glamour and tradition but it's also a supreme test of driving ability, regardless of processional races.
I still think that an oval track would be worth incorporating into the calendar. The camber, the high speed, they're generally in the USA and are left hand turn tracks which is rare for F1 so an extra challenge. And lot's of overtaking. These are all good things for variety. Watkins Glen if you lot won't agree with me. The new Austin track looks good though even though it's a Tilke. It seems to have the same type of corner as turn 8 at Istanbul plus large gradient changes so will be challenging. Let's hope it's a good track for the spectators. Australia, Canada and Spa are my current favourites. Monaco is a great challenge but not great viewing from an overtaking standpoint.
I wouldnt mind that. The return of the Indy500 on the F1 calander as a blue ribbon one off event each year
They could just have it as a Grand Prix. It's a 2.5 mile track. A lap would be around 1 minute 10-20 or so at 170-180 mph that the cars can achieve. This would mean we can have a 100 lap GP. Indy250 ?? Why not? I would love to see the F1 cars to enter the Indy500 again though. Let last 3 championship winning cars have a go at it - Vettel in RB, Button in Brawn and Hamilton in Mclaren. It would be sweet!!!
Because that'd be an Indy250, wouldn't it? The Indy500 is 200 laps. I don't know. I wonder what F1 would gain from oval-racing? I mean, I'm not snobbish about it and I appreciate it has its own design and skill requirements, I'm just not sure how it would make F1 drivers or cars look better. I did like the idea of the Indianapolis F1 circuit - incorporating the banked turn into an F1 layout. It's just a pity the infield section was, well, unawesome. How much modification would be required to make them competitive these days?
