Alesi: Run GP Masters together with GP2 and F1

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The Frenchman believes that adding GP Masters to the Formula One and GP2 races on a Grand Prix weekend would make for a very interesting package.

"It's a great chance lost," he said. "Fans could have seen an amazing show of Formula One, GP2 with the drivers of tomorrow, and GP Masters with the drivers of yesterday."

http://www.autosport...rt.php/id/56143

That would really be a great concept IMO! I think that it would, if all was broadcasted, increase the interest for motorsport in general. Daddy watch his old heroes, tells stories and anecdotes while the kids finds their own idols.

What can we do to make it happen? Anyone know Bernie personally?

Bah... keep they oldies have their charity party somewhere else and keep F1 weekends real racing.

Is that your true meaning or are you just joking?

It would make a lot more sense for the GP Masters to race at Silverstone and Spa instead of Bucharest and Qatar. Why have races for legends at tracks that have no history?

This could potentially lead to a situation of the warm up showing up the main event.

Don't think Bernie would ever go for it.

I would rather see these old farts race then some sort of F3 or porsche cup stuff.

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Originally posted by Ali_G
This could potentially lead to a situation of the warm up showing up the main event.

Don't think Bernie would ever go for it.

Thats exactly the problem. GP2 at Silverstone last year certainly overshadowed the main event.

JA is right it would make for a great weekend for the fans. I'd also like to see the historic F1 races as well.

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Originally posted by carbonfibre
I would rather see these old farts race then some sort of F3 or porsche cup stuff.

Agree, I find the support acts, apart from GP2 obviously, a dreadful bore, especially Porsche supercup. It's fun for fifteen minutes on Saturday morning, but then...

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Originally posted by Limits
Is that your true meaning or are you just joking?

Well ... I dont like the old champs to get too much attention with their 'just for fun' 'racing' during F1 race weekends. It doesnt deserve it but it would get it.

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Originally posted by micra_k10

Well ... I dont like the old champs to get too much attention with their 'just for fun' 'racing' during F1 race weekends. It doesnt deserve it but it would get it.

I tought racing should be all about fun?

But believe me, they take it seriously when the line up on the grid.

Surely this would do wonders for the GP Masters series and racing for a large F1 crowd would appeal more to former F1-heroes like Alesi.

However I fail to see what it would contribute to a (more specifically: my) GP weekend, if I visit a GP I want to see a F1 race.
If I want to see F3, Porsches or classic cars/drivers race I will -and do- visit such an event.

No way would the ego's running F1 allow someone else to have more common sense than them.

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Originally posted by Ilaya
Surely this would do wonders for the GP Masters series and racing for a large F1 crowd would appeal more to former F1-heroes like Alesi.

However I fail to see what it would contribute to a (more specifically: my) GP weekend, if I visit a GP I want to see a F1 race.
If I want to see F3, Porsches or classic cars/drivers race I will -and do- visit such an event.

Well over an F1 weekend we do need some other action to fill in the gaps, its just that I would prefer it to be open wheel action rather than sports cars. GP2 is a great, GP masters would be good fun, and historic F1 would just be perfect for me.

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Originally posted by Clatter


Well over an F1 weekend we do need some other action to fill in the gaps, its just that I would prefer it to be open wheel action rather than sports cars. GP2 is a great, GP masters would be good fun, and historic F1 would just be perfect for me.

Hey I like GP2, GPM or historic F1 (thoroughbread GP) as much as the next guy, but I donot need it in my F1 weekend.

I like to go to the circuit on Sunday, watch the F1 race I chose to see and get out asap.
If I want to watch other series (and I do) I'll go to another event, surely I donot need a complete "entertainment package" for the whole day/weekend.

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Originally posted by Ilaya
I like to go to the circuit on Sunday, watch the F1 race I chose to see and get out asap.
If I want to watch other series (and I do) I'll go to another event, surely I donot need a complete "entertainment package" for the whole day/weekend.

Then don't stay. If you're gonna' leave, it shouldnt really matter what support races they run, don't you think?

If you want to watch the other series', then you're more than welcome to stay.

I don't see what your point is, really.

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Originally posted by micra_k10

Well ... I dont like the old champs to get too much attention with their 'just for fun' 'racing' during F1 race weekends. It doesnt deserve it but it would get it.

I've never, ever, seen a motor-race, or been in one for that matter, that people weren't trying to win.

If you don't think fun has any place in motorsport then that's just tragically indicative of how wrong F1's gone . . .

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Originally posted by Ilaya


Hey I like GP2, GPM or historic F1 (thoroughbread GP) as much as the next guy, but I donot need it in my F1 weekend.

I like to go to the circuit on Sunday, watch the F1 race I chose to see and get out asap.
If I want to watch other series (and I do) I'll go to another event, surely I donot need a complete "entertainment package" for the whole day/weekend.

There is nothing stopping you doing that anyway.

I go for the whole weekend and enjoy the extra action that is provided, I would be happier still with GP masters and Historic F1.

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Originally posted by Clatter
I go for the whole weekend and enjoy the extra action that is provided, I would be happier still with GP masters and Historic F1.

Good for you Clatter and I hope for your sake that they do take up Alesi's suggestion, however I personally donot see the need for it.

I have never been at a F1 race, nor at a GP Masters race. Not even a GP2 race. The likelyhood that I would go watch all three of them, if they were at different weekends/locations are slim. Worse than slim, it is non existant . The likelyhood that I would travel to, and buy tickets for, a GP Weekend with GPM, GP2 and F1 is on the other hand quite big. A lot bigger than the likelyhood that I would go and see F1 alone. I have now used "likelyhood" three times (not including the last) in one paragraph, is that a record?

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Originally posted by Limits
I have never been at a F1 race, nor at a GP Masters race. Not even a GP2 race. The likelyhood that I would go watch all three of them, if they were at different weekends/locations are slim. Worse than slim, it is non existant . The likelyhood that I would travel to, and buy tickets for, a GP Weekend with GPM, GP2 and F1 is on the other hand quite big. A lot bigger than the likelyhood that I would go and see F1 alone. I have now used "likelyhood" three times (not including the last) in one paragraph, is that a record?

The likelyhood that this is a record is certainly notable, however it should be acknowledged that the likelyhood that it isn't is also a factor. The problem comes when you try and quantify likelyhood on a scale without fixing it to a statistical model. This is difficult because, in all likelyhood, without knowledge of what the record actually is it probably impossible to state with any certainty what the record for "most likelyhoods" in a paragraph actually is, or if your use of the word likelyhood has beaten it. It may be possible that through advanced mathematics we could develop a formulae for determining the likelyhood of beating a reacord without knowing it's numerical value. In all likelyhood however, this would be a waste of time.

;)

You certainly have the record. There is no word 'likelyhood'

'likelihood' should it be, sorry for misleading you.

Anyway, I will propably use 'propabyliti' in the future.

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Originally posted by Limits
You certainly have the record. There is no word 'likelyhood'

'likelihood' should it be, sorry for misleading you.

BOLLOCKS!!!

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Originally posted by BorderReiver


BOLLOCKS!!!

See what happens when you get back late from the pub ;)

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Originally posted by BorderReiver


BOLLOCKS!!!

If you cant english dont write!

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Originally posted by micra_k10

If you cant english dont write!

English is one thing, sense is another. You're lacking one mate (and it isn't the first).

when I go to a race weekend, I stay there all day. It's just plain good business sense to keep the track busy and the spectators entertained. I would love to see a GP weekend with F1, GP2, F3/F-Renault all together... or F1, GP Masters and Historic F1 cars. They have more in common with F1 than Porsche Supercup. You can pay homage to the sports past and the stars of tomorrow.

When I went to the USGP I got a kick out of going to the historics tent. I got there early and a guy who owned a car talked to me for about 20 minutes and let me go in the tent and take pictures. That kind of friendliness does more for the sport than Bernie and his band of dickheads can do.

I loved Cart/Indycar when they had Formula Atlantic and Indy Lights in the circuit. You could walk in the pit lane and talk to mechanics. They were very keen to show their sport.

Or going to Motorcross races. There is ALWAYS action. 125s, 250s, unlimited, Juniors, Seniors, Girls, a whole day of action. No wasted time where the track is not used.

Or Superbike, Supersport, Superstock (sidecars if you are lucky), and other clases at an event. MotoGP, 250s, and 125s at the same event!

I think F1 could learn a lot from other series.

I think most Grands Prix would benefit from more and better support races.

GP2 is fantastic and, as has been said, often overshadowed F1 last year (Silverstone springs to mind). But the Porsche Supercup is pretty tedious.

I liked Damon Hill's remarks recently about how the British Grand Prix should be (I'm paraphrasing) a celebration of motor sport, like the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and not be afraid of putting F3 or FFord on the support bill.

They used to have BTCC on the bill in Britain and I was very disappointed when their attempts to re-start that failed a couple of years ago (perhaps this is an option that would help Silverstone and the BTCC out of their current impasse?)

I think GP Masters can and should stand up on its own as a legitimate event - and I don't think their cause is aided by going to a motorcycle circuit in Qatar. Is there a reason why GP Masters cars couldn't race at Zandvoort, Brands Hatch and the like (i.e. the better circuits on the A1GP calender?) I assume if there is, it's safety...

Merge A1GP and GP Masters

Get the stars to drive for the countries they own property in or have some dubious connection to.

Jp

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Originally posted by F1Fanatic.co.uk
I think GP Masters can and should stand up on its own as a legitimate event - and I don't think their cause is aided by going to a motorcycle circuit in Qatar. Is there a reason why GP Masters cars couldn't race at Zandvoort, Brands Hatch and the like (i.e. the better circuits on the A1GP calender?) I assume if there is, it's safety...

My guess is that the likes of Qatar paid very well for GPM to race at their circuit, almost certainly more than the likes of Zandvoort or Brands could offer.

I think you're right that GPM can stand up on its own, although it might take a couple of years to establish itself. Alesi's idea of GPM supporting F1 events is a good one, but it's hard to see it happening any time soon.

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Originally posted by jonpollak
Merge A1GP and GP Masters

Please, no

Don't get me wrong Maldwyn...
I agree in principal with you but both series have an irresolute financial situation so...consolidate or kiss the two of them goodbye.
I just want a decent off season series really.

Totally agree with you ehagar....... F1 could learn so much from other series like MotoGP.

I'd like to see Euro F3, GP2 and F1 on the same schedule:

Euro F3 do all the Euro rounds.

GP2 do all euro rounds plus some additional long haul races (for example Canada, US and Japan - important markets for big corporate sponsors).

and then obviously F1 does the full schedule.

I honestly think that you would see serious involvement from the F1 teams in supporting teams in the Euro F3 / GP2 champs as it gives an ideal career ladder for the young drivers that they are nurturing and the fans get to follow young drivers as they come up the ladder.

The other key thing IMO is that it gives the paying customer (the fans) true value for money on race day which is important when you consider how much a basic ticket costs!

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Originally posted by jonpollak
I agree in principal with you but both series have an irresolute financial situation so...consolidate or kiss the two of them goodbye.
I just want a decent off season series really.

I don't think that is a good enough reason to merge two series that have nothing in common. A1GP's concept of a motorsport worldcup has failed and if it is to continue it should concentrate on being what you're looking for - a purely off season series, or in other words an expanded FPA.

GP Masters is a great concept for both spectators and drivers. It's not another step on the motorsport ladder, but has an endless supply of drivers, a measure of nostalgia and fun. Perhaps as time goes on the series may become more competitive, but at the moment the atmosphere is relaxed and the emphasis is on enjoyment. Yes, early races have had their problems, but there is real potential for GPM to grow and become a success.

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Originally posted by Always_Ferrari
Totally agree with you ehagar....... F1 could learn so much from other series like MotoGP.

I'd like to see Euro F3, GP2 and F1 on the same schedule:

Euro F3 do all the Euro rounds.

GP2 do all euro rounds plus some additional long haul races (for example Canada, US and Japan - important markets for big corporate sponsors).

and then obviously F1 does the full schedule.

I honestly think that you would see serious involvement from the F1 teams in supporting teams in the Euro F3 / GP2 champs as it gives an ideal career ladder for the young drivers that they are nurturing and the fans get to follow young drivers as they come up the ladder.

The other key thing IMO is that it gives the paying customer (the fans) true value for money on race day which is important when you consider how much a basic ticket costs!

Agree pretty much 100% with your whole post.

The great thing, as i see it, is that its not just race day where the fans get value for money. Schedule it right, and you'd have races on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. That would provide real value for money, and an excellent shop window for the teams and the drivers.

I think Bernie wouldnt mind adding GP Masters to the F1 weekend IF the owners/organisers of GP Masters gave him some ownership (and hence control) of the series and how its run. Which I dont thin is neccessarily a bad thing but I'm not 100% sure the organisers of GPMasters are interested in taking their series that route. But it would be a great coup to F1 to have that during some of their race weekends.

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Originally posted by micra_k10

If you cant english dont write!

Surely you meant to say "If you can't speak english don't write it "

Simple, really - unless Bernie stands to make some money out of it then he won't sanction it.

ditto on bernie

if you merged all the top classes how expensive would the ticket be to fill all those guy's pockets??

"see a GP weekend with F1, GP2, F3/F-Renault all together."

what I think you guys are not seeing is that some of these tracks would stand to lose a lot of revenue by combining race dates ... better for the fan, disastrous for the venue.

I think that the masters should race on the old tracks they did on (which shifts with the predominance's generational range)

this would help aging race tracks keep in the black with operational expenses (staying open)
generate revenue in these communities that for years became accustomed to the cash flow that was abolished by one persons whim (bernie over the podium event at Estoril )

I think that a GP weekend should consist of youth karting event, gp2 and F1 the karting on a purpose built mini course
So you can watch the evolution first hand

Professionals on a hallowed surface

these freaking Ferrari club racers having crashes and dumping fuel and oil on the racing line is rubbish to say the least
no bozos out there with their toys
look at the wreck in montreal in that mazda class

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Originally posted by race addicted


Agree, I find the support acts, apart from GP2 obviously, a dreadful bore, especially Porsche supercup. It's fun for fifteen minutes on Saturday morning, but then...

Well Porsche cups sound and look relatively boring and monotonus around the track.

Why not replace it with a thumping V8 pick-up series (aussie sedan or american truck style pick-ups, hell why not slam a big V8 into Japanese style commericial pick-ups ) with soft suspension that launch over the kerbs in spectacular style, and provide a great soundtrack?

It'd be cool if Champ Cars was a support race during US GP weekend.

Brilliant idea.