View the Post on the Bloghe Indian Grand Prix has been removed from the 2014 Formula 1 calendar. So, how will the calendar look next season?
After much confusion about the facilities at the track, tax issues and more, F1 top-dog Bernie Ecclestone has confirmed that the race has been dropped.
Ecclestone tributes the call off to the owner of the grand prix, Jaypee - a large conglomerate operating in infrastructure. Calendar issues are quoted as being the cause of the cancellation.
Jaypee wants to move the race to March, despite having a similar argument with Ecclestone when the contract was signed.
Ecclestone told the Indian news agency IANS: "When we signed the five-year deal with Jaypee, we were keen on going to India in the first half and Jaypee wanted it to be in October.
"We gave in at that time, but now it looks we will have the race early 2015. It was too close.
"Therefore, after speaking to promoters, we think it is best not to have a race in 2014 and have one in 2015."
This leaves a slot free next year, presumably to be filled by the Russian Grand Prix.
The 2013 calendar is very similar to last season, with only the changes regarding the Spanish and German Grand Prix. However, 2013 will see more change.
Sochi International Street Circuit
Russian Grand Prix
The Indian Grand Prix will be replaced by the Russian Grand Prix at the Sochi International Circuit. The 5.9km course flies through the Sochi Olympic Park, which is currently being built for the 2014 Winter Olympics. There has been a campaign for a Russian Grand Prix for over thirty years.
However, there has been doubts raised about the race in Sochi. If the International Olympic Committee believe the race will interfere with the Winter Olympics, the race may be pushed back to 2015.
Red Bull Ring
Austrian Grand Prix
A race in Austria will return, 11 years since it was dropped from the calendar. First held in 1963 at Zeltweg Airfield, the race will take place at the Red Bull Ring. The Osterreichring was built to replace the, frankly deadly, Zeltweg track. After concerns were raised about safety at the Osterreichring, the A1-Ring was built at the same site.
The course fell into disrepair, and the buildings were demolished in 2004 after racing ceased in 2003. In 2005, it seemed as though racing would never return, as the owners Red Bull had no intention of "wasting money on a deficitary circuit" - as Dietrich Mateschitz put it. Alexander Wurz said he'd buy the circuit, but nothing came of his claim. Red Bull then began their reconstruction of the track in 2008, and DTM & F2 returned to the Red Bull Ring.
Port Imperial Street Circuit
Grand Prix of America
The United States will host a second race, this time in Weehawken, West New York and New Jersey. The 5.2 km track weaves through streets on the bank of the Hudson, overlooking New York City. Hermann Tilke, designer of the A1-Ring, Sepang, Bahrain, Yas Marina, Austin and basically half the F1 calendar, also designed Port Imperial.
It was announced in June 2013 that the organisers have received all necessary permits to begin construction. July 2012 saw construction commence for parking, race HQ and the 24 pit garages. Resurfacing and paving will begin in September of this year, ready for the race next year.
Along with these additions to the tour, the races in Spain and Germany will change. This year, drivers raced at the Nurburgring. As part of the event-sharing agreement, next year will see the German Grand Prix take place at the Hockenheimring.
Spain has a similar agreement between the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona and the Valencia Street Circuit, Valencia will be the set for the 2014 Spanish Grand Prix. However, organisers in Barcelona have vocalized concerns about Valencia, saying they had "no desire" to share a race. The Valencian circuit is reported to be in a serious state of disrepair, and it's future is in doubt.
Along with the race locations being changed, the testing locations may also be altered. In order to facilitate the new engine regulations, the FIA proposed changes to regulations regarding winter testing. This will allow an additional test to be available if necessary, with a new venue. Losail in Qatar and Sakhir in Bahrain have been put forward as candidates to minimize the chances of the weather interrupting testing.
What do you think about the changes? Join the discussion.
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