Blinky McSquinty wrote:
Unfortunately, tracks come and go on the calendar. There are various reasons why they may be dropped, but behind it all are valid reasons in the minds of the organizers. Unfortunately attempting to plead the "iconic" card falls on deaf ears, because there are scores of tracks that could be defined as "iconic" or "historic".
Liberty have taken over, and they will be the ones to decide what tracks will be on the calendar. From the noise I have been hearing from them, they intend to create a full fan experience, where more than just hard core race fans can enjoy a full day. There will be concerts, rides, and of course, the race. IMO long gone are the days when a track in the middle of farmer's fields will host a race, where they require considerable travel from major population centers and offer little but the race itself.
We must remember that while us fans focus on the cars, drivers, and track layouts, Liberty are looking beyond that horizon at attracting new viewers via social media and ease of access. Because they realize more than most of us that Formula One is entertainment first, and racing second.
The 1 time I went to the British GP (my home GP) I was bitterly disappointed, there was literally nothing there other than the races and the place (except for where the rich folks and teams are) is a complete dump! The only saving grace for the entire weekend was the other fans and spending time with them in the pub and campsite away from the circuit.
If I compare that to other motorsport events I've been to, BTCC and formula E, it is almost 10 times the price for so much less. Even formula e's free test days at Donnington had more for the fans. It's not about hardcore fans enjoying the events, it's about actually making an event worth the money that the fans have to pay because the circuit has to pay it and f1 under Bernie failed miserably in the UK. I hope Liberty can do better, which won't be hard as the bar was set low for them from their predecessors.