Circuit Lengths

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sparkymarky

Member
Sep 22, 2011
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Gateshead
Hello all.

I was just wondering whether you Formula One fans like the longer or shorter circuits?

These new Tilkedromes which are being produced all appear to be long in length resulting in the vast majority of races being 50+ laps in length with a couple dipping into the early 60's. The reason why I ask is because there was an interesting point brought up from the BTCC championship regarding Snetterton. I don't know his name, but the person in charge of the BTCC was not keen on the longer Snetterton track because it means that the viewers at the track will see the cars less if they are there at the track.

Personally, I agree with that comment although I haven't been to the British Grand Prix for 3 years now. The new section has resulted in the number of laps decreasing to 52. I believe that last year's BGP finished in around 1hr 25mins in which they still could have had the 60 normal laps. As I've said, the shorter tracks are the best because they seem to bring up more action such as Canada and Brazil, but the longer ones such as Abu Dhabi and Valencia just seem to lack the constant action witnessed on the shorter tracks. This is what I would like Tilke to think about. I have always believed that the minimum number of laps for a Grand Prix should at least be 60.

Thoughts?
 
Yeah, I agree with Spa - it's a shame that because of safety, the run-off areas are now tarmac. It should be astro-turf and then the drivers will still get punished for making an error at Spa
 
That's an interesting question, Sparky.
Discounting location and topography –both of which can add interest– the answer is wholly dependent upon one's perspective:

  • All else being equal, a driver (and team) has a greater challenge with a longer circuit, it being more difficult to memorise accurately; more difficult on set-up; and more potential for variation in strategy. This also gives more variation (less repetition) for the TV viewer, who may also find the increased challenge to the competitor more interesting.
  • However, a spectator at the event sees each driver pass 'x' number of times, according to the number of laps, assuming the driver completes every lap of the race.
 
cosicave said:
All else being equal, a driver (and team) has a greater challenge with a longer circuit, it being more difficult to memorise accurately; more difficult on set-up; and more potential for variation in strategy. This also gives more variation (less repetition) for the TV viewer, who may also find the increased challenge to the competitor more interesting.
Click to expand...

And this is the whole crux of the matter. All the modern tracks are roughly the same in design and are fairly 'short'. It was one of the saddest days when they got rid of the forest section at Hockenheim, it was one of my favourite tracks now it's just a run-of-the-mill track with little character. I'm mystified as to why they did it tbh, there was no need to.
 
More tracks need to have interesting features like Spa. Eau Rouge is the best corner in the world for me, with the exception of that one at the Laguna Seca, though as someone mentioned on the London GP thread the arch corner could surpass it if the GP happened!

So let's have varying heights like Spa!
 
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