Could 18 (GMM) Formulation 1’s new concept to yearly alternate some European races might save the long-lasting Imola circuit from the axe.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, who was truly born close to the fabled Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit in Italy, just lately admitted will probably be “troublesome” for Imola to outlive on a bustling calendar that additionally options Monza.
Imola polesitter and championship chief Oscar Piastri, nevertheless, warns Formulation 1 to be “cautious” in axing a few of the finest circuits.
“We must be cautious to not lose all of the historic tracks which have been right here endlessly as a result of at the least 75 % of them are the favourites for the drivers,” stated the Australian.
“Right here (Imola) might be going to vanish, Zandvoort is disappearing, Spa is on a rotation. We do must be cautious to maintain all these tracks.”
Quadruple world champion Max Verstappen agrees, declaring that with immediately’s vehicles which are “too massive, too stiff, too heavy,” road circuits are “uninteresting”.
“On tracks like this, it’s quite a lot of enjoyable,” the Dutchman added. “So many quick corners, and the restrict is the gravel or the grass. That makes it extra thrilling and harder to nail.”
McLaren CEO Zak Brown thinks it’s “luxurious downside” for Formulation 1 to have extra international locations and circuits vying for a spot on the calendar than it is ready to accommodate.
“Greater than 24 isn’t doable for logistical causes,” he instructed Bild newspaper. “I wish to see a majority of the races have a set spot on the calendar.
“To realize this, some tracks ought to rotate, internet hosting a grand prix solely each different yr. We’re nicely positioned in Europe, and the identical goes for America. India, Korea, and South Africa come to thoughts as doable hosts.
“There may be a second race in China, and I see nice development potential within the Asia-Pacific area.”
Alongside Imola, Brown thinks one other circuit with potential to be hosted yearly is Hockenheim, which might revive the German GP after a conspicuous absence.
“Germany is a large market,” stated the American, “with Mercedes and Audi. Maybe it could be a good suggestion to carry a grand prix there each two years.”
As for Imola, Brown agrees that it could be unhappy to see the Italian circuit go.
“I like Imola,” stated the McLaren CEO, “however I additionally love Monza. If considered one of them actually needs to be faraway from the calendar, then I’d advocate for the elegant rotation answer right here as nicely. Even when that’s actually simpler stated than completed.”