What other tracks should return to the F1 calendar? Our writers have their say

Sepang – Oleg Karpov

It’s ironic to assume that some welcomed the return of the Istanbul monitor to the calendar on the premise that F1 was going again to ‘historic’ venues – as a result of Hermann Tilke and his firm had been generally blamed for creating lookalike circuits. The one actual foundation for that argument is that every one Tilke tracks are, certainly, the identical within the sense that they characteristic straights and left- and right-hand corners. However the Istanbul monitor has a novel character – and the identical is true for a lot of of Tilke’s creations.

And one which would definitely be welcomed again is the monitor in Malaysia – the primary correct, totally built-from-scratch Tilke circuit to look on the F1 calendar, again in 1999. And what a monitor it’s! Excessive-speed sections with a number of path adjustments, elevation adjustments, a hairpin and two lengthy straights. Plus, a correct bodily problem for the drivers. Kuala Lumpur was additionally a very fashionable vacation spot amongst Method 1 personnel.

It might be a stretch to assert all races in Malaysia had been thrillers, however the structure lends itself to wheel-to-wheel battles, and there are many moments to stir F1 followers, too – as many pages of championship historical past had been written at that monitor: Michael Schumacher’s legendary return in 1999, Fernando Alonso’s excellent victory in 2012 in combined situations with a younger Sergio Perez chasing him down within the ultimate laps, the Multi 21 saga…

And when it begins to rain, Sepang has at all times delivered unbelievable spectacles. Bear in mind the race in 2000?

Hockenheim – Ben Vinel

Rubens Barrichello, Ferrari

Picture by: Getty Photos

Method 1 ought to return to the Hockenheimring. Not the toned-down model that has been used since 2002, relatively the 6.8km structure.

This monitor was the scene of a lot of motorsport’s historical past, from the bottom lows – Jim Clark’s premature dying in an F2 race in 1968 – to memorable races like Rubens Barrichello’s maiden grand prix victory from 18th on the grid in 2000, the Ferrari driver having stayed out on slicks regardless of a considerable bathe.

The sight of F1 vehicles powering by way of the forest was a pleasure to behold, and the structure represented a large problem as groups ran minimal downforce – see that rear wing? – making the winding stadium part difficult to deal with for the drivers.

It might admittedly not be an incredible match for 2026-spec equipment given how early the vehicles would flip to harvesting on these endless straights. Regardless, such a return solely is wishful considering, since nature has taken over the previous monitor. It’s peaceable in these woods now, however one can nonetheless image the vehicles racing out of Ostkurve…

Donington Park – Haydn Cobb

Jean Alesi, Ferrari

Picture by: Sutton Photos through Getty Photos

Donington’s time in F1 was too short-lived to know if it will have been an appropriate house for grand prix racing, and the much less stated concerning the 2010 British GP pitch which just about put the circuit out of enterprise, the higher.

And to make clear, this isn’t as a substitute for Silverstone as the house of the British GP – if the USA can have a number of races, then why not Britain?

Since its 2009-10 near-destruction, Donington Park has been remodeled into an excellent racing facility underneath the possession of MSV whereas, crucially, retaining the problem and attraction of the well-known previous circuit.

On this author’s humble opinion, Donington has one thing Silverstone lacks to make it among the best, if not the very best, F1 monitor on the planet: undulation. The previous airbase’s flat and broad structure is void of the climbs and dips that Donington Park provides, in addition to the lateral calls for of corners like Redgate, McLean’s and Coppice. The ups and the downs additionally present significantly better viewpoints for followers; whereas not fairly the bowl-like amphitheatre of Manufacturers Hatch, in the correct spots you may see greater than half the circuit with out transferring.

Sure, entry roads, capability and the modest pit and paddock make this concept far-fetched in its present iteration, however from purely a driver and fan perspective it’d be a welcomed addition. What’s extra, it’s subsequent door to East Midlands airport, so those that can afford it (or would relatively not spend one other minute within the chilly Leicestershire countryside) can jet out and in immediately. Everybody’s a winner.

Kyalami – Jake Boxall-Legge

Nigel Mansell, Williams leads initially

Picture by: Pascal Rondeau / Getty Photos

I’ve stated this earlier than however, for Method 1 to be a real ‘world’ championship, it actually should be internet hosting races on each continent. Because it’s unlikely that Antarctica goes to get a race quickly, we are able to let that one slide, but it surely’s shocking that F1 nonetheless hasn’t moved the needle a lot in the case of securing a race in Africa.

In fact, it has been there earlier than; Casablanca’s Ain-Diab neighbourhood hosted the Moroccan Grand Prix in 1958, and the South African Grand Prix was first hosted at East London’s Prince George Circuit earlier than it was moved to Kyalami, on the outskirts of Johannesburg. A return to Kyalami can be one of the simplest ways again in.

Kyalami has been remodelled a number of instances over the many years; half of the fearsome circuit used from 1967-85 has been constructed over, and two completely different variations had been utilized in 1991 and 1992. It was reprofiled once more in 2015, because it allotted with the downhill bend initially of the lap for a minor kink, ending in a heavy braking zone for Flip 2. 

I reckon it will be a agency favorite among the many drivers, significantly with the problem of the sweepers and the problem in getting the Leeukop hairpin proper, and will present some fairly entertaining racing general. If there’s sufficient help for a South African Grand Prix to return, then Kyalami should lead that dialog.

Watkins Glen – Stuart Codling

Jody Scheckter, Tyrrell

Picture by: David Phipps / Sutton Photos through Getty Photos

I’ve stated it earlier than and I’ll say it once more: convey again Watkins Glen.

Now, in the actual world, some sacrilegious adjustments might need to be made within the title of security. However F1 efficiently introduced Zandvoort again, with attraction and character in abundance – and a crowd made up of passionate followers relatively than ghastly influencers.

Watkins Glen is the Spa-Francorchamps of North America, a twisting, flowing circuit with difficult sightlines, plus elevation and camber adjustments. Okay, these signature pale blue guardrails must transfer out somewhat and a number of the gravel traps might need to develop, however F1 managed it with Zandvoort.

The off-track ambiance can be equally raucous; F1 would most likely not desire a return to the times of setting Greyhound buses on hearth however Watkins Glen has hosted loads of rock concert events, which integrates completely with the fashionable mannequin of turning grands prix into weekend-long ‘occasions’.

Bin off the hellscapes of Las Vegas and Jeddah, and produce Watkins Glen again now.

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