94 replies to this topic

[Dolph]

Bernie is becoming so transparent. After trying to put pressure on Monanco in the lead up to signing a new agreement, he's now moving on to the next cicuit, Interlagos which is coming up for renegociation. Bernie will be saying exactly the same thing about another cicuit in six months time.

Exactly, like he has done countless times before. Bernie

[aditya-now]

If I remember correctly, all the races there in the last decade were awesome one way or another...and you can't say that about lots of today's tracks.

Interlagos belongs to a very exclusive group of circuits: Monza, Silverstone, Spa, Monaco, Interlagos, although it is the newest of these tracks. Sadly no more of these great circuits are around anymore.

They have castrated Hockenheim. Though the modern Hockenheim is interesting in itself, it is not as characteristic as the old one was. In fact, I do miss Paul Ricard with the Mistral straight, but I agree it is probably boring for the drivers to drive straight for such a long time.

However, I hope they will not apply similar changes to Interlagos as they did to Hockenheim.

Update the facilities, yes. Stay away from the lay-out of the course!

[y2cragie]

The only thing I will say in defence of Bernie, while I disagree with his tactics, at the very least he does know F1 and what circuits like Interlagos and Silverstone mean for the sport. He knows at the very end of it all, he cant afford to lose them. People saying Bernie needs to go also need to remember, his replacement could be some hand picked CVC money maker with no interest in the sport and only out to make money. If that were the case we could kiss good bye to just about every circuit not built in the last 10 years and funded by a government with an open cheque book. I'd take Bernie's nonsensical ramblings over that any day.

[aditya-now]

I think the excitement of those two races was mainly down to the weather and the championship drama.

I think the lay-out of the track adds to the development of exciting races as well.

[saudoso]

We can see that the paddock is crowded. Really crowded. They still have some 7 to 8 meters of an access road at the back of the paddock to make it bigger. Today that's only used by walking corporate guests with pilt walk acces during F1 weekends.It would make a big difference.

The first fix to the paddock, not too old, that created a line of offices at the back almost killed the view from the Premium Paddock Club, that is assembled with tents at the top of the garages. If they do push the support structures further back that area will be rendered useless as corporate box material.

http://maps.google.c...e...mp;t=h&z=19

[phil1993]

I think the excitement of those two races was mainly down to the weather and the championship drama.

Indeed. But Interlagos throws up good races anyway. Abu Dhabi would kill for a track like that. Passing Glock for the title on Yas' last turn doesn't seem like it would have the same feel...

[toroRosso]

I accidentally voted Yes - Count one off from the results and add to No vote. All I can say after spectating the sport for 15 years is that this guys is really old and should step down.

[size72]Bernie step down[/size72]

[kar]

Interlagos is one of the top 3 circuits in F1.

Everything else is irrelevant. Bernie obviously posturing thinking Brazil is the leading Bric and should start paying 'emerging economy' (i.e. extortionate Govt. backed) race fees

[Tifosi90]

Interlagos facilities might not be the best but the race track always provides an exiting race. I can't remember when was the last time we had a boring Interlagos race.

Hopefully we won't lose Interlagos. I would rather see boring tracks like Bahrain to get the chop.

[David1976]

Valencia is the worst circuit at the moment imo.

General consensus is that the reason Bernie doesnt like Interlagos is due to corporate hospitality and fees and I am sure that is true.

But F1 depends far more on TV audiences and Brazil still provides a spectacle like few other circuits. Ditto Spa, Monza, Suzuka, Silverstone...

Edited by David1976, 11 August 2010 - 12:25.

[Gridfire]

My biggest gripe about Interlagos? That it's next to a slum. Sure every country has it's poor areas (except Monaco I guess), bu there's something really ugly about seeing F1 parked next to such poverty. It reflects poorly on F1. I don't mean in an "ugh, poor people" way, but that area needs investment and development. But they need to improve the facilities for the people living there, not the Europeans who show up for one weekend a year.

I agree completely with the sentiment - the frankly ridiculous decadence of F1 sat right next to some of Brazil's poorest is quite repugnant. However, you can't really 'invest' in a residential slum, it doesn't produce anything other than poor people - all you can do is provide charity, build schools, and hope that you get a better educated generation out of it in the future, or wipe it out entirely. It amazes me that with the whole world watching via TV and with visitors from many countries heading to the circuit during a grand prix, that Brazil themselves have not sorted it out yet.

Here in London we're building the Olympic stadia for the 2012 games in what was a relatively poor and run-down part of of the city, but first of all our government bought all the land and ejected all the poor people - that's how we do it...;)

[noikeee]

About the layout, some brazilian blogs last year were coming up with ideas to extend the laptime by incorporating some bits of the old layout. I believe the idea was to put a chicane at the end of the back-straight, that would lead into a small straight of the old layout, into a very long radius super-quick left hander, then another short straight and back into the new circuit through some sort of Eau Rouge-like corner entry into the Ferradura.

I think they got into talks with the track owners/promoters and the owners were actually excited about the idea! Not sure what came out of that, likely nothing?

Edited by paranoik0, 11 August 2010 - 13:03.

[saudoso]

To the limit, the existence of F1 itself is condemnable while people live at slums - here in SP, at Cape Town or Bombay. Discussing if the race is held 100 meters or 10000 kilometers from the nearest slum his hypocrite IMO.

From the point of view of the people living there it's a great opportunity to make money renting parking space, selling beer and renting their roofs for people to look into the track.

[Dunc]

Voted no - last few races there have been diamond quality.

However, wasn't the racetrack in Rio also pretty good? Is it still usable?

[saudoso]

Voted no - last few races there have been diamond quality.

However, wasn't the racetrack in Rio also pretty good? Is it still usable?

No it was half destroyed.

[Henrytheeigth]

I raced Interlagos just before on F1CE and I loved it, can't wait for F1 2010 on the ps3. Yea it's a fun action packed track worth it's place on the calendar.

[dav115]

Oh yeah, unlike Valencia which on its maiden race had about four portaloos for a whole grandstand?

[Rinehart]

I have been to Interlagos a couple of times. I promise you, the grandstands are made of scaffolding and they wobble like heck if Barrichello overtakes someone. Scary stuff.

As a circuit it has easily the worst infrastucture of them all. But I would rather go there than Valencia any day.

[highdownforce]

No it was half destroyed.

And the other half will be destroyed for the Olympic Games.
R.I.P.

[Atreiu]

Bernie is full of ****.

[Anssi]

I recall Kimi Räikkönen called it a shitty place! Or something to that effect, in Finnish, can't recall the exact word now so don't hang on to that word too literally.

Other drivers were being careful about it and then this guy comes and says it's a shitty place. Was he the only one speaking his mind? The same happened last year in Abu Dhabi, too... he wasn't that harsh about it but when others were praising the track he said something to the effect that it's boring, nothing special, and in my opinion he was right - that track is not that great from a racing point of view.

You gotta understand Bernie and Kimi are not talking about the track layout, for example. If they say the place is shitty then it probably is, overall, by their standards. I suggest the Brazilians do something about it... I like the track! It's a shame it's overall a shitty place.

Edited by Anssi, 11 August 2010 - 14:36.

[y2cragie]

Actually I think the thing you are refering to is Schumachers presentation in 2006. Brundle asked him if he was watching and Kimi being kimi replied. "no I was having a ****"

[SPBHM]

To the limit, the existence of F1 itself is condemnable while people live at slums - here in SP, at Cape Town or Bombay. Discussing if the race is held 100 meters or 10000 kilometers from the nearest slum his hypocrite IMO.

From the point of view of the people living there it's a great opportunity to make money renting parking space, selling beer and renting their roofs for people to look into the track.

I agree with you, hiding this poverty will hardly improve it, and its part of the character of Interlagos, is an old track with 70 years since it's first race, and the city developed around it in that part, maybe for the same reason they build the track there (low land value) it attracted poor people, I don't know the exact history of the location... but in some parts it looks really ugly, and unfortunately now looks to late to solve that.

but I think it's a delicate situation, improving the surroundings is very hard, the track also doesn't have that much more of space for new facilities, and who will make the investments? the biggest one was the track resurface in 2007 I think, it worked, but apart from that things looks to be moving slowly and without much investment, also the owner of it (city of São Paulo?) makes things more complicated, since they have so many different priorities, but I'm sure they can see the importance of the GP and make some effort.

as for Jacarepaguá it was destroyed, rests of it are still being used, but it's impossible to repair it to F1 level, and these rests will be destroyed soon, they are promising in Rio de Janeiro a new track, and I read somewhere that they see this discontentment of Ecclestone with Interlagos like a good opportunity.. but I doubt they will come with anything decent soon.




as for the blog with the idea to use some of the old track parts: http://interlagosantigo.blogspot.com/

[BullHead]

Yeah, the track and racing is great. It's probably brilliant to be there in the stands. But as a team member? Or a sponsor? Or someone wanting to do it in an upmarket fashion? Circuits do need facilities, and good ones at that, especially for F1. Yeah all Bernie cares about is the money, but remember the money is the only reason why we have F1 in the first place.

[VicR]

Who are the 14 people, currently, who voted "yes"?

Interlagos, the worst circuit? Not by a lightyear!

[ForzaGTR]

Interlagos produces amazing races and is one of the best race tracks on the calender. Bernie must be losing his mind

[Brandz07]

i think there's confusion about what bernie's actually saying by a lot of people that voted :L he's judging the track's facilities, not layout, sheeeesh, the layout's awesome!

Edited by Brandz07, 11 August 2010 - 18:23.

[Disgrace]

What do you think?

I think Bernie is the midst of negotiation about a new contract. He just wants them to up their game regarding facilities.

As for the circuit, it's one of the very best and losing it would be tragic.

[Anssi]

Actually I think the thing you are refering to is Schumachers presentation in 2006. Brundle asked him if he was watching and Kimi being kimi replied. "no I was having a ****"

Absolutely not. Kimi has specifically commented on the place and it was to the effect that it's "shitty".

[y2cragie]

Absolutely not. Kimi has specifically commented on the place and it was to the effect that it's "shitty".

Ok fair enough just offering a thought as you weren't sure

[wepmob2000]

So sick of Bernie and his eternal money-grabbing, he can't take the money with him, all rather sad really.

From a fan point of view, Interlagos is one of the best circuits of the season, with an atmosphere thats palpable even on TV, its also one of the most fun tracks on the PS3

But, yay, lets get rid of it and have two races at Abu Dhabi, all the better for corporate schmoozing

[chrisblades85]

i think there's confusion about what bernie's actually saying by a lot of people that voted :L he's judging the track's facilities, not layout, sheeeesh, the layout's awesome!

I know. But I'd still rather see the crumbling grandstands, packed to the rafters. Rather than a hotel that changes colour going over the track.

[saudoso]

Absolutely not. Kimi has specifically commented on the place and it was to the effect that it's "shitty".

His opinions on F1 subjects really don't matter any longer.

Edited by saudoso, 11 August 2010 - 21:51.

[chrisblades85]

His opinions on F1 subjects really don't matter any longer.

I think he said this a while a go?

Also, why don't they matter? Ex F1 driver (will maybe be so again and former World champion)

I take it, every ex formula 1 driver's opinion no longer matter anymore? Like the ex driver stewards, commentators and the like?

[Bunchies]

I can't wait til he says this about Abu Dhabi.

[Bunchies]

I think the excitement of those two races was mainly down to the weather and the championship drama.

Maybe for 2008, but certainly not for 2009. That was simply down to the race itself, which had great overtaking, and amazing drives. Yes, JB took his championship there, but that's not what i remember the race for.

[Viktor]

Maybe for 2008, but certainly not for 2009. That was simply down to the race itself, which had great overtaking, and amazing drives. Yes, JB took his championship there, but that's not what i remember the race for.

And Button, Vettel etc started at the back of the grid due to the weather on Saturday

/Viktor

[Muz Bee]

Of course I voted no. It's been pretty well covered here - Bernie's posturing to get them to raise their game. I couldn't help noticing a shot during Friday practice last year when the camera was settled on an off track scene showing long weedy grass with rubbish strewn about. Obviously F1 economics are a source of concern so let's hope Bernie will show as much patience as he did with SIlverstone and the BRDC. Look what they now have, and hopefully not a financial albatross around their necks. Silverstone looks to be a superb modern facility and has lost little of that elusive "character". Others (unlike me) may have attended the 2010 GP there and can give a more certain verdict but frankly I always felt Silverstone was an ugly blot in spite of it's flat out curves. Let's hope Interlagos will modernise without that fabulous run onto the start finish straight and first turn(s). Wonderful memories of this event and another Tilke clone is definitely needed.

[Pato]

Bernie really is such a tosser, Interlagos is one of the best by far.

[screamingV16]

Abu Dhabi and Valencia are THE worst circuits. They may have great facilities, but I can't see sign of a decent track!

Edited by screamingV16, 13 August 2010 - 10:06.

[highdownforce]

I agree.
It would be easier to have an Red Bull Air Race in the sky of São Paulo than to have F1 back to Rio.

No reasons for Interlagos to be worried, here is the plan for the new(rumored) Deodoro track in Rio:



The report [ link ] says it'll be graded by FiA to receive even F1.
But with such a mickey mouse course, and so few stands a really doubt that a F1 car will ever turn a wheel there.

The good news is the oval, and it looks MotoGP friendly.



Edit: I've move this comment to here as I think it's more suitable now.

Edited by highdownforce, 09 September 2010 - 16:36.

[klyster]

Bernie's age is evident..............

[Fabs]

You can be a racer or a businessman

If you are a racer.. you love Interlagos.. the atmosphere.. the crowd.. the crazy weather.. bumpy track.. the history..

If you are a businessman you certainly wont like it..

But what is the sport about again?

I would prefer to watch a World Cup in Argentina.. with packed stadiums and crazy atmosphere in old stadiums.. than to watch a World Cup in South Korea with empty state of art stadiums

We have 18 GPs... it is cool to have one in a place that is different from the traditional "perfect world of F1" where everything is shiny, professional, modern and tidy

[Fabs]

Interlagos producing great race

[Captain Tightpants]

Bernie isn't talking about the circuit itself. He means the facilities at Interlagos. Specifically the pit facilities. That's the reason why Silverstone lost the Grand Prix to Donington - Ecclestone felt that the Silverstone pits just weren't good enough for the teams. Sure, they (and now Interlagos) may have been competing with brand-new facilities, but there is a certain basic standard which can be expected. If Interlagos is not good enough, it's not good enough.