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Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 11:18 am
by jacfan
According to F1 Racing Imola is hoping to be back on the calendar.
On Tuesday the San Marino Grand Prix was not on the 2007 calendar issued by the FIA, however, the owners of the track are confident it will be reinstated to the schedule. A statement released by SAGIS, the company that owns the circuit, revealed that the FIA will reconsider the situation once improvements are made to the Imola track.
"SAGIS points out that Mr. [Bernie] Ecclestone confirmed to SAGIS president Federico Bendinelli that the Grand Prix of San Marino at Imola's Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari will be added to the calendar on 27-28-29 April 2007 when the World Council meets on 18 October, provided that the agreed fulfilments regarding the renovation of the site will be carried out before the scheduled day of the race," read the statement.
The event's position on the F1 calendar has been in doubt for several years but now the circuit has a ?10 million project in the pipeline backed by the government, the track organisers look to be serious about securing the future of the Grand Prix. The proposed updates include a revised layout, a larger paddock area and improved facilities.
Jarno Trulli, for one, has stated he would be disappointed not to see Imola back on the calendar.
"If it were a definitive decision, I would regret it a lot," the Italian told Italian newspaper Gazetta dello Sport.
"As an Italian driver I would want as many Italian GPs as possible. But we know that in F1 politics play a big part. I hope that Imola re-enters."
It did not make sense to have a four week break that early in the season.
Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 4:24 pm
by gkaytaz
jacfan wrote:According to F1 Racing Imola is hoping to be back on the calendar.
It did not make sense to have a four week break that early in the season.
Agreed. While they sound quite sure about alternating Hockenheim-Nurburgring removing Imola was not that sure of a step taken by the FIA. A four week break will be too much early in the season. I believe they will reinstate it later (after all the race is technically in San Marino, not Italy
) and keep Turkey on. If they scratch Turkey there will be a six week break! The calendar will undergo a few changes yet.
Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 4:26 pm
by jacfan
Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 1:07 pm
by Ed
The FIA in agreement with all the Formula 1 teams have approved 18 races to be held in 2007.
This means Imola could be added to the 2007 Calendar.
This is subject to Formula One Commission and World Motor Sport Council approval.
Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 2:28 pm
by jacfan
According to F1racing.net Turkey could yet be dropped.
On Tuesday the FIA decides at a meeting in Paris what sanctions will be imposed on the Turkish Grand Prix organisers over the controversial podium ceremony at last month's race.
I t goes on to talk about why and then
Possible penalties include the scrapping of next year's race as well as Turkey losing the right to host rounds of the FIA-authorised rally and touring car world championships.
I hope it does not lose the race as it was a very good race this year.
Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 3:36 pm
by Julian Mayo
jacfan wrote:According to F1racing.net Turkey could yet be dropped.
On Tuesday the FIA decides at a meeting in Paris what sanctions will be imposed on the Turkish Grand Prix organisers over the controversial podium ceremony at last month's race.
I t goes on to talk about why and then
Possible penalties include the scrapping of next year's race as well as Turkey losing the right to host rounds of the FIA-authorised rally and touring car world championships.
I hope it does not lose the race as it was a very good race this year.
There is every chance Turkey will lose the round, if only because the circuit provides good racing. The FIA can't have that
Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 4:35 pm
by jacfan
Yeah that would be right. After all you don't want to let the fans enjoy it too much.
Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 11:12 pm
by Ed
The Turkish Grand Prix will be held next year. The organisers and the National Sporting Authority have escaped with a fine. It was a hefty fine though, 5 Million US dollars!
Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 11:21 pm
by jacfan
Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 8:31 am
by Julian Mayo
Ed wrote:The Turkish Grand Prix will be held next year. The organisers and the National Sporting Authority have escaped with a fine. It was a hefty fine though, 5 Million US dollars!
Out of the personal accounts of the people who put the GP at risk, of course.
Or has the cost of tourism just gone up ?
Posted: Thu Oct 19, 2006 4:04 pm
by Ed
At the World Motor Sport Council meeting held on the 18th of October, the following changes were made to the 2007 Formula 1 Calendar:
- The Japanese and Chinese Grands Prix have been swapped, the 2 events now take place on the 30th of September and the 7th of October respectively. (Note that the same happened last year for the 2006 schedule but in reverse!)
- The German Grand Prix will alternate between the Nurburgring and the Hockenheim tracks. In 2007 the event will be held at the Nurburgring with the 2008 event held at Hockenheim.
- While it was agreed earlier to hold 18 races in 2007, there was no agreement in place for an 18th race. The calendar remains with 17 races.
(Note: A deal between the San Marino - Imola organisers and Bernie Ecclestone hasn't been finalised)
