Commentator sends calendar idea to F1 bosses
Well-known Dutch commentator Olav Mol says he has emailed Formula One Management with a proposal about how an alternative 2020 calendar should look.
Officially, F1 CEO Chase Carey is still pushing for a new schedule of between 15-18 races - even though the ninth cancellation or postponement has just been added to the list.
Mol told the F1 Aan Tafel podcast that 15 races is "certainly possible".
"It is still secretly hoped to have 15 races, but given the ongoing crisis and the suspended ticket sales, that is at least ambitious," he said.
"It also puts pressure on the agenda and the teams to be able to arrange everything logistically."
Therefore, the Dutchman - who commentates for Ziggo Sport - has a better idea.
"On Friday evening I sent an email to them," Mol said.
"I largely agree with Martin Brundle - I think we should start at Silverstone. Most of the teams are there already, so that way you limit travelling.
"Then you have to think logistically about the rest of the calendar in the same way. You could then go to the Netherlands, and finish with Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, Hungary and Austria. The rules say you must have at least eight races for a championship.
"That way you stretch the calendar as far as possible without having to travel all over the world at an early stage," he added.
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We all now admit that our sport is about $$$, not the racing. A Euro-centric schedule will work for the racing, but will have a deleterious effect on international oriented sponsors. I see contract renegotiations on the horizon, and race track promoters will want relief if the fan attendance is limited. Quite a mess.
people cant travel to Spain or Italy at the moment I don't believe so that still wont work. and with the death toll rising in the UK are other countries really going to want to except UK travelers????. I know it's not a great thought as we all love f1 but unfortunately 2020 season should be canned and the money saved then ploughed into helping the crisis. and developing the cars and the structure of the sport for next year. so there is a more even playing field instead of 4 teams controlling the grid. and chance for some great midfield talent to have a chance instead of money deciding the grid. more fun for the drivers more fun for the spectators
I agree with that schedule even if it means no spectators at the races. I suggest each venue has a 4 day event with practice on Thursday , practice and qualifying on Friday as is done now on Friday and Saturday . Then have 2 races , one on Saturday and one on Sunday . with the grid for Sunday from qualifying , or from the position finished the Saturday race. Each venue could be a fortnight apart , and may be even able to finish with Abu Dhabi in November. That way you would have 16 - 18 races. If do not include Abu Dhabi you could start at Silverstone a bit later in July .
Just a suggestion , which I think would be better than triple header weekends and 2 day weekends .
I agree with that schedule even if it means no spectators at the races. I suggest each venue has a 4 day event with practice on Thursday , practice and qualifying on Friday as is done now on Friday and Saturday . Then have 2 races , one on Saturday and one on Sunday . with the grid for Sunday from qualifying , or from the position finished the Saturday race. Each venue could be a fortnight apart , and may be even able to finish with Abu Dhabi in November. That way you would have 16 - 18 races. If do not include Abu Dhabi you could start at Silverstone a bit later in July .
Just a suggestion , which I think would be better than triple header weekends and 2 day weekends .
No North American continent events? Wow.
Donn, we don't need any more excuses to gather in large numbers in North America. It is very difficult, but best we live without F1 this season. Any track that hosts a race this year is begging disaster if they allow spectators, and what is the point otherwise. Let the boys do a bunch of races at Silverstone over several weekends, broadcast them, and garner as much tv revenue as possible to at least keep our sport breathing on life support. That will still require thousands of people in one place at the same time, but at least allow some personal safety control.