F1 has been exploring a number of options to bolster the second half of the season as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact a number of races.
The Japanese Grand Prix became the latest race to get cancelled last week, joining Canada, Singapore and Australia as events that have been formally scrapped.
F1 officials have been working to find a replacement for the Australian Grand Prix that was originally scheduled for 21 November, with the slot remaining 'TBA' on the current calendar.
But plans are now advancing for Qatar to fill the gap and host its first F1 grand prix in November, according to multiple sources, that would act as a boost to the schedule and hopes to fulfil the planned 23-race season.
Qatar GP to replace cancelled Australian race
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Qatar GP to replace cancelled Australian race
Circuit would be Losail. Used for bikes and sportscars in the past, is it any good? @erwin greven @Andy
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Looks like there are no spectators or grandstands anywhere else on the circuit. Main straight only. So they are just racing off in the dark on their own. Hmmmm....
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Quite normal for oil-rich nations though. Sheikhy baby and his harem are usually the only spectators.
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F1 to go to Qatar.
F1 to go to Qatar.
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Qatar officially replaces Australia. Timetable is still TBC. They are considering a night race.
Link to F1 Official article
Link to F1 Official article
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So they sign a 10 year deal, we get a race in 6 weeks time, but then nothing in 2022 because they are hosting the World Cup.... then back on again for 2023 > 2032.... on a track to be decided on but maybe a new one.
And this years race will be part of a triple header with Mexico and Brazil.
So Qatar gets to join Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia for a human rights "Sports-washing" extravaganza. Oh, I forgot about Russia.
F1 is becoming a joke. Well tbh I guess all of the ultra high profile sports are all as bad as each other. They will all bare their butt and forget about moral standards for a few quid.
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I wonder if the "W" Series are on the support card.XcraigX wrote: ↑2 years ago Qatar officially replaces Australia. Timetable is still TBC. They are considering a night race.
Link to F1 Official article
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It's also signed a deal to host a race from 2023. Ten year deal.
Would be a Doha Street race from then onwards
Would be a Doha Street race from then onwards
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and China.Everso Biggyballies wrote: ↑2 years ago So Qatar gets to join Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia for a human rights "Sports-washing" extravaganza. Oh, I forgot about Russia.
But, I do wonder if hosting these races hurts or helps the situation in these countries in the long run? Dictatorships work better in isolation.
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I gotta say, the existing circuit looks pretty bad for F1. It's not a car track, is what I'm getting from the layout.
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Whenever you look at the Losail circuit in video games, it looks like the track is missing a lot of scenery. Actually, no. It really looks like that. It is a totally flat track in a flat piece of desert, with absolutely no scenery to look at. To think this will be on the calendar for 10 years is a scary thought.
And as John Warren says, with the final three races of the year ending in Losail > Jeddah > Abu Dhabi, where overtaking is likely to be impossible, it is likely the season will end on a very dull note with the championship decided in qualifying.
And as John Warren says, with the final three races of the year ending in Losail > Jeddah > Abu Dhabi, where overtaking is likely to be impossible, it is likely the season will end on a very dull note with the championship decided in qualifying.
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In their defence Loosehell (or however its called / pronounced) is only on for one year.... it is Qatar that has a contract until 2032 (other than next year (2022) when they are hosting the World Cup Football). The idea is that from 2023 it will be on a new layout unknown.... it might be a street layout or it might be at a new purpose built venue to be decided.PTRACER wrote: ↑2 years ago Whenever you look at the Losail circuit in video games, it looks like the track is missing a lot of scenery. Actually, no. It really looks like that. It is a totally flat track in a flat piece of desert, with absolutely no scenery to look at. To think this will be on the calendar for 10 years is a scary thought.
I hate the idea of so many races in the Middle East.... I think we all do. But, putting on my 'think about it' hat I can see why. Im not saying I like the concept but I am hoping that my thoughts are the reason behind it. I will explain....
Anything to do with the Middle East is about money in terms of events. They have lots of money to throw around and none of the guarantors ever seem to go broke. (We wont mention "Sportswashing" in this argument as money has a habit of sweeping things under the carpet.) This isnt about ethics, just money.
OK 4 races in the middle East, all paying absolute premium top dollar rates and prepared to build things with fabbo facilities..... money in the bank for Liberty and comfortable for the teams.... comfortable facilities, and if Liberty make money so do the teams, right?
Next tier of venues are the Govt backed races ie Australia. A few of them give Liberty a bit of extra cash. Other more traditional venues that are not publicly funded ie Silverstone perhaps might benefit by getting a mates rates deal where perhaps Liberty break even. But the fans are happy and supportive. Win Win.
Liberty with their intent to run a race every other weekend with a couple of weeks off now realise the risks of Covid type scenarios decimating their calendar..... With all the surplus funding they have banked from all the Middle Eastern and Govt backed venues they (Liberty) are then in the position, as we have seen, to offer the likes of Imola and Mugello rounds at next to nothing costs just to help them (Liberty) meet the TV broadcast needs. They can afford to throw in a couple of events with no or minimal sanctioning fees to meet those needs.
Without the Middle Eastern events to subsidise other events Liberty would not be in a position to run the calendar without huge gaps. And us fans would not get to see some of the historically significant venues. Again win win.
A bit like in qualy where you might put in a banker lap early if conditions look dodgy ahead. You have something good in the bank guaranteed.... if you dont better it it doesnt matter. Nice if you can, but still ok if you dont. The Middle East events are just like a banker lap. Literally, only its money in the bank. They give Liberty a bit of flexibility to discount other venues. If it needs 4 Middle Eastern rounds to subsidise traditional venues we otherwisw would not see, Im good with it. Horses for courses and all that.
Maybe that is over simplifying it all..... it works for me in helping me accept a glut of Middle Eastern races. A sort of Robin Hood effect on the calendar.
Does that make sense to anyone else? Or am I pulling myself?
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