Ecclestone confirms Long Beach talks
#1
Posted 01 May 2013 - 09:45
I really don't know which series I'd prefer at Long Beach. F1 race there would sound cool and probably be good for the series in the USA. But Long Beach has been one of the few IndyCar races I watch. F1 replacing IndyCar there would mean one less IndyCar race to watch for me.
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#2
Posted 01 May 2013 - 10:07
#3
Posted 01 May 2013 - 10:12
#4
Posted 01 May 2013 - 10:42
#5
Posted 01 May 2013 - 12:13
IPO campaign is in full swing.Seems like every other week now there's supposedly going to be a new track somewhere.
#6
Posted 01 May 2013 - 12:19
Seems like every other week now there's supposedly going to be a new track somewhere.
Bernie's been putting out stories about new races/venues for years - that's how he keeps justifying the fees he asks. Makes it seem like there's more demand for spots on the calender than there is...
#7
Posted 01 May 2013 - 12:55
#8
Posted 01 May 2013 - 13:13
Why not a double header? Give Indycar an international boost and F1 a boost in the US.
Because the LB Grand Prix is already seriously overcrowded with ICS sessions as well as support series: ALMS (/maybe USCR next year with the possibility of separate races for prototypes and GTs), IndyLights, Toyota Celebrity/Pro, SCCA World Challenge, drifting competitions and I think there was some other series this year too. Add to that parades and other stuff that is going on there. If you ban those supports you would seriously make the event lamer.
Also Indycar wouldn't wanna be part of the weekend as
a) ICS wouldn't be the headliner (ie the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach) and also they don't wanna show themselves as second tier single seater series when they're marketing the opposite
b) Because of FOM the ticket prizes would literally skyrocket by 1000x and likely lead to smaller crowds
c) F1 always puts support races to horrible timeslots with tedious race lengths (for example see V8 Supercars at Abu Dhabi when there were no other supports there)
I hope it stays as it is, as currently the Grand Prix weekend is my favourite street event in the world
However I wouldn't mind if F1 had a separate weekend there in summer or fall, as the track is seriously awesome in any configuration and most of all not spoiled by modern FIA standards. But if they made any "safety" modifications to the layout in order to bring it to FIA Grade 1 level --> get out. The only upgrade I would accept would be the pit facilities which currently follow the regular North American style
Edited by SonnyViceR, 01 May 2013 - 15:38.
#9
Posted 01 May 2013 - 13:36
Because the LB Grand Prix is already seriously overcrowded with ICS sessions as well as support series: ALMS (/maybe USCR next year with the possibility of separate races for prototypes and GTs), IndyLights, Toyota Celebrity/Pro, SCCA World Challenge, drifting competitions and I think there was some other series this year too. Add to that parades and other stuff that is going on there. If you ban those supports you would seriously make the event lamer.
Just look at this manic schedule for 2013:
FRIDAY
7:30 - 9:30 a.m. American Le Mans Series Practice
10:30 - 11:15 a.m. IZOD IndyCar Series Practice 1
11:30 a.m. - noon Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race Practice
12:15 - 1:15 p.m. Firestone Indy Lights Practice 1
2:30 - 3:15 p.m. IZOD IndyCar Series Practice 2
3:30 - 4:00 p.m. Toyota Pro/Celebrity Qualifying
4:00 - 5:00 p.m. IZOD IndyCar Series All-Driver Autograph Session
4:15 - 4:45 p.m. Pirelli World Challenge Championship Practice 1
5:00 - 6:30 p.m. American Le Mans Series Qualifying
6:45 p.m. Tecate Light Fiesta Friday Concert Starring Moderatto and Moenia
7:00 - 7:45 p.m. Motegi Racing Super Drift Challenge Practice
7:45 - 9:00 p.m. Motegi Racing Super Drift Challenge Qualifying
SATURDAY
7:30 - 8:15 a.m. Pirelli World Challenge Practice 2
8:30 - 9:15 a.m. Firestone Indy Lights Practice 2
10:40 - 11:25 a.m. IZOD IndyCar Series Practice 3
11:40 a.m. - 12:40 p.m. Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race (10 laps)
12:55 - 1:40 p.m. Firestone Indy Lights Qualifying
2:00 - 3:10 p.m. IZOD IndyCar Series Qualifying & Firestone Fast Six
3:55 p.m. American Le Mans Pre-Race Ceremonies
4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Tequila Patron American Le Mans Series Race (120 minutes)
6:45 p.m. Tecate Light Rock-N-Roar Concert Starring Bret Michaels
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Motegi Racing Super Drift Challenge
SUNDAY
7:20 - 7:40 a.m. Stadium SUPER Trucks Practice
8:00 - 8:25 a.m. Pirelli World Challenge Qualifying
9:00 - 9:30 a.m. IZOD IndyCar Series Practice 4
9:55 a.m. Firestone Indy Lights Pre-Race
10:15 - 11:15 a.m. Firestone Indy Lights Race (60 minutes)
11:30 - 11:38 a.m. Mothers Polishes Exotic Car Parade
12:00 p.m. - 12:20 p.m. Stadium SUPER Trucks Exhibition Race
12:30 p.m. IZOD IndyCar Series Pre-Race Ceremonies
1:38 p.m. "Drivers, Start Your Engines!"
1:45 - 3:30 p.m. Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach (Round #3 of the 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series)
3:55 - 4:10 p.m. Formula DRIFT Demonstration
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Pirelli World Challenge Championship Race (60 minutes)
Edited by SonnyViceR, 01 May 2013 - 13:40.
#10
Posted 01 May 2013 - 14:39
According to Curt Cavin on Trackside tonight. Zak Brown had called and denied any involvement with Bernie Ecclestone in the purchase of LBGP to make it an F1 race. His involvement was mentioned in an article in September of 2011 and he claims he has no involvement in this currently.
Long Beach Grand Prix CEO Jim Michaelian dismissed the reports which first arose two weeks ago, telling the Long Beach Press Telegram: “This is a story that keeps bouncing around every year or so despite the fact that the race isn’t for sale and there’s been no contact between anyone and Kevin about a sale.”
#11
Posted 01 May 2013 - 14:46
#12
Posted 01 May 2013 - 15:00
However I wouldn't mind if F1 had a separate weekend there in summer or fall, as the track is seriously awesome in any configuration and most of all not spoiled by modern FIA standards. But if they made any "safety" modifications to the layout in order to bring it to FIA Grade 1 level --> get out. The only upgrade I would accept would be the pit facilities which currently follow the regular North American style
I was watching the Long Beach GP the other day and was thinking just this, the pitlane would have to be updated but the rest of the track would be a crying shame to neuter in anyway, maybe they could get a Monaco style exemption though sadly I highly doubt that would happen. What areas would most likely be modified if this to actually happen and its has to meet Grade 1? The fountain turn sticks out as something the FIA wouldn't really want, I take it it's quite slow speed but I just can't see them not putting a barrier up somehow.
Edited by doombug11, 01 May 2013 - 15:01.
#13
Posted 01 May 2013 - 15:11
I was watching the Long Beach GP the other day and was thinking just this, the pitlane would have to be updated but the rest of the track would be a crying shame to neuter in anyway, maybe they could get a Monaco style exemption though sadly I highly doubt that would happen. What areas would most likely be modified if this to actually happen and its has to meet Grade 1? The fountain turn sticks out as something the FIA wouldn't really want, I take it it's quite slow speed but I just can't see them not putting a barrier up somehow.
I'd think that apart from upgrading the facilities (which I think serve their purpose well atm, but I understand why they wouldn't fit the needs of the FIA) they'd completely smooth out all the bumps on the road, as well as put walls further if possible - plus install massive catch fences everywhere to prevent anyone from seeing the track close. Also some unnecessary chicanes/kerbs in the middle of the straights and some of the corners to make it more "exciting" and "safe", or some shiz and yes I could totally see the fountain section being raped, as well as the first turn
Naturally there are no grass/gravel run off areas on (most of the) US street circuits so at least FIA wouldn't be raping those with their modern-day asphalt routines. It's a saving grace that FIA hasn't got their hands into real motor circuits like Road America and Road Atlanta yet
Edited by SonnyViceR, 01 May 2013 - 15:20.
#14
Posted 01 May 2013 - 15:25
I'd think that apart from upgrading the facilities (which I think serve their purpose well atm, but I understand why they wouldn't fit the needs of the FIA) they'd completely smooth out all the bumps on the road, as well as put walls further if possible - plus install massive catch fences everywhere to prevent anyone from seeing the track close. Also some unnecessary chicanes/kerbs in the middle of the straights and some of the corners to make it more "exciting" and "safe", or some shiz and yes I could totally see the fountain section being raped, as well as the first turn
Naturally there are no grass/gravel run off areas on (most of the) US street circuits so at least FIA wouldn't be raping those with their modern-day asphalt routines. It's a saving grace that FIA hasn't got their hands into real motor circuits like Road America and Road Atlanta yet
I hope the FIA never has anything to do with Road America or Road Atlanta ever.
#15
Posted 01 May 2013 - 15:27
Second, if they have to run Indy and F1 the same day, get rid of the most of that other stuff - or put it somewhere else another time. Slot in just the most popular one.
We get a swinging chance at F1 and we are supposed to worry about drift and truck exhibitions, celebrity races? Bring it on to the West Coast Bernie - traveling to the mid or east coast to watch an F1 race is prohibitively expensive for many - and simply out of the question for others (vacation in Texas or New Jersey every year? Um - no).
Edited by bourbon, 01 May 2013 - 15:32.
#16
Posted 01 May 2013 - 15:29
I hope the FIA never has anything to do with Road America or Road Atlanta ever.
Or any other purposely built North American track. In a way it's good that they now have that Tilke one to play with, they can leave the rest alone
#17
Posted 01 May 2013 - 15:33
First, why would they have to be at the same time? We can handle two street races a year in Long Beach. This is California - you know, the state largely ignored when it comes to F1. Let them bring it to us, however they do it.
Second, if they have to run Indy and F1 the same day, get rid of the most of that other stuff - or put it somewhere else another time - with the NASCAR race weekend or ship it up to laguna seca.
We get a swinging chance at F1 and drift and truck exhibitions should stand in the way? I think not. Those can happen anywhere any time any day.
Bring it on Bernie - traveling to the mid or east coast to watch is prohibitively expensive for many and an Indy/F1 weekend, or two weekends so they can keep their celebrity race would be great!
I think I made my case clear on post #8 why the ICS and F1 won't be doing double headers, even if you get rid of all the support races. And as for the stand-alone F1 race (later in the year), yeah I think it would be viable but only if they didn't rape the track as they usually do.
Edited by SonnyViceR, 01 May 2013 - 15:37.
#18
Posted 01 May 2013 - 15:50
Or any other purposely built North American track. In a way it's good that they now have that Tilke one to play with, they can leave the rest alone
I agree. What I've enjoyed here in America is that there wasn't this sudden knee-jerk reaction to take great circuits and butcher them because of the FIA/F1.
#19
Posted 01 May 2013 - 16:08
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#20
Posted 01 May 2013 - 16:23
FRIDAY
09.00-09.30 // Toyota Celebrity/Pro - Free Practice
09.45-11.45 // United Sports Car Racing - Free Practice
12.00-12.30 // Toyota Celebrity/Pro - Qualifying
12.45-14.15 // FIA Formula 1 - Free Practice 1
14.30-15.30 // Izod IndyCar Series - Free Practice 1
15.45-17.15 // FIA Formula 1 - Free Practice 2
17.30-17.50 // Firestone Indy Lights - Free Practice
18.00-19.00 // United Sports Car Racing - Qualifying
SATURDAY
09.00-10.00 // Izod IndyCar Series - Free Practice 2
10.30-11.30 // Toyota Celebrity/Pro - Race
12.00-13.00 // FIA Formula 1 - Free Practice 3
13.15-13.45 // Izod IndyCar Series - Free Practice 3
14.00-15.00 // FIA Formula 1 - Qualifying
15.15-16.25 // Izod IndyCar Series - Qualifying
16.40-16.55 // Firestone Indy Lights - Qualifying
17.20-19.00 // United Sports Car Racing - Race
SUNDAY
10.00-10.45 // Firestone Indy Lights - Race
11.30-13.45 // Izod IndyCar Series - Race
15.00-17.00 // FIA Formula 1 - Race
But since FIA isn't like that, the most realistic turn of events with ICS-doubleheader would be like 1 hour race for the Indycars on Saturday afternoon after the F1 qualifying, or something, and no supports.
And as stand-alone weekend, I'd imagine it to go like this:
FRIDAY
11.00-12.30 // FIA Formula 1 - Free Practice 1
13.00-13.30 // Porsche Cup - Free Practice
14.00-14.30 // Porsche Cup - Qualifying
15.00-16.30 // FIA Formula 1 - Free Practice 2
17.00-17.30 // Ferrari Challenge - Free Practice
SATURDAY
10.00-10.20 // Porsche Cup - Race 1
11.00-12.00 // FIA Formula 1 - Free Practice 3
14.00-15.00 // FIA Formula 1 - Qualifying
16.00-16.30 // Ferrari Challenge - Race
SUNDAY
11.50-12.10 // Porsche Cup - Race 2
14.00-16.00 // FIA Formula 1 - Race
Edited by SonnyViceR, 01 May 2013 - 17:50.
#21
Posted 01 May 2013 - 16:57
#22
Posted 01 May 2013 - 17:14
Let us forget the logistical nightmare of having 3 Thier 1 series worth of material, personel and the acompanying media....If FIA was flexible with it's timing and scheduling you could actually have a very neat weekend package with ICS (and maybe USCR) if they actually wanted to join the doubleheader for some reason, like this:
FRIDAY
09.00-09.30 // Toyota Celebrity/Pro - Free Practice
09.45-11.45 // United Sports Car Racing - Free Practice
12.00-12.30 // Toyota Celebrity/Pro - Qualifying
12.45-14.15 // FIA Formula 1 - Free Practice 1
14.30-15.30 // Izod IndyCar Series - Free Practice 1
15.45-17.00 // FIA Formula 1 - Free Practice 2
17.15-17.45 // Firestone Indy Lights - Free Practice
18.00-19.00 // United Sports Car Racing - Qualifying
SATURDAY
09.00-10.00 // Izod IndyCar Series - Free Practice 2
10.30-11.30 // Toyota Celebrity/Pro - Race
12.00-13.00 // FIA Formula 1 - Free Practice 3
13.15-13.45 // Izod IndyCar Series - Free Practice 3
14.00-15.00 // FIA Formula 1 - Qualifying
15.15-16.25 // Izod IndyCar Series - Qualifying
16.40-16.55 // Firestone Indy Lights - Qualifying
17.20-19.00 // United Sports Car Racing - Race
SUNDAY
10.00-10.45 // Firestone Indy Lights - Race
11.30-13.45 // Izod IndyCar Series - Race
15.00-17.00 // FIA Formula 1 - Race
The FIA doesn't call the shots, FOM does, and FOM tends to exterminate any little thing they consider a threat. Having Indycar on the same track, same weekend, with the danger of having a better race on the «other side» is good enough reason for no joint weekend, let alone egos and other stuff.
#23
Posted 01 May 2013 - 17:32
FRIDAY
09.00-09.30 // Toyota Celebrity/Pro - Free Practice
09.45-11.45 // United Sports Car Racing - Free Practice
12.00-12.30 // Toyota Celebrity/Pro - Qualifying
12.45-14.15 // FIA Formula 1 - Free Practice 1
14.30-15.30 // Izod IndyCar Series - Free Practice 1
15.45-17.00 // FIA Formula 1 - Free Practice 2
17.15-17.45 // Firestone Indy Lights - Free Practice
18.00-19.00 // United Sports Car Racing - Qualifying
SATURDAY
09.00-10.00 // Izod IndyCar Series - Free Practice 2
10.30-11.30 // Toyota Celebrity/Pro - Race
12.00-13.00 // FIA Formula 1 - Free Practice 3
13.15-13.45 // Izod IndyCar Series - Free Practice 3
14.00-15.00 // FIA Formula 1 - Qualifying
15.15-16.25 // Izod IndyCar Series - Qualifying
16.40-16.55 // Firestone Indy Lights - Qualifying
17.20-19.00 // United Sports Car Racing - Race
SUNDAY
10.00-10.45 // Firestone Indy Lights - Race
11.30-13.45 // Izod IndyCar Series - Race
15.00-17.00 // FIA Formula 1 - Race
Where are the IndyCar/Indy Lights/USCR Warm Up sessions?
#24
Posted 01 May 2013 - 17:38
#25
Posted 01 May 2013 - 17:41
Will be split along the SC periods.Where are the IndyCar/Indy Lights/USCR Warm Up sessions?
#26
Posted 01 May 2013 - 17:43
Let us forget the logistical nightmare of having 3 Thier 1 series worth of material, personel and the acompanying media....
The FIA doesn't call the shots, FOM does, and FOM tends to exterminate any little thing they consider a threat. Having Indycar on the same track, same weekend, with the danger of having a better race on the «other side» is good enough reason for no joint weekend, let alone egos and other stuff.
Yes as I said, it's a scenario that will never ever happen. Not only because ICS doesn't wanna play second fiddle but more importantly because of FOM/FIA's attitude towards supporting races. As for the logistical side, yes it would become crowded but it's not like that's not already the case at this race.
Where are the IndyCar/Indy Lights/USCR Warm Up sessions?
None of those series currently have warm-ups at LB (well if you discount practice 4 of ICS)
#27
Posted 01 May 2013 - 17:47
The only possible way you could run another high tier event with a Formula 1 race would be if you were willing to surrender your top spot to Bernie. Scheduling, garages, paddock space, media accreditation, income and fees at the track, that and more would all have to be controlled by FOM, and I can't imagine Indycar would be happy to do that.
Yes, the situation would be very similar to V8 Supercars at Abu Dhabi where they had to give up their spotslight slot and instead run 25 minute sprint races held at obsure timeslots when absolutely no-one was at the track... and NOTHING else was scheduled for that weekend except F1. Pathetic
Edited by SonnyViceR, 01 May 2013 - 17:48.
#28
Posted 01 May 2013 - 17:49
None of those series currently have warm-ups at LB (well if you discount practice 4 of ICS)
Sato leads IndyCar warm-up at Long Beach
;)
Edited by Fulcrum, 01 May 2013 - 17:50.
#29
Posted 01 May 2013 - 17:52
That is basically Practice 4 as listed on the schedule, with an alternative title of warm-up
ALMS only has two hours of practice (held at 7am in the morning when no-one has run on the track yet) and 1½ hour Q (splitted into short class seqments) despite having about the same race length as ICS. But it is still unclear whether the merger series comes next year, and if it comes whether with full grid or prototype / GT
Edited by SonnyViceR, 01 May 2013 - 17:58.
#30
Posted 01 May 2013 - 17:57
Ok. Where is the Indy P4? Or the Lights P4? Or the USCR P4?That is basically Practice 4 as listed on the schedule, with an alternative title of warm-up
#31
Posted 01 May 2013 - 18:03
Ok. Where is the Indy P4? Or the Lights P4? Or the USCR P4?
IMO warm-up isn't really needed for sprint races so I cut that off. It's handy for races like Le Mans of course but those events actually have need for them.
But if you really wish your extra sunday practice / warm-up for Indycar, well sure that can be added to happen before the Lights race
SUNDAY
09.00-09.30 // Izod IndyCar Series - Free Practice 4 / Warm-up
10.00-10.45 // Firestone Indy Lights - Race
11.30-13.45 // Izod IndyCar Series - Race
15.00-17.00 // FIA Formula 1 - Race
Again, none of this will never happen, just making some ideas
Edited by SonnyViceR, 01 May 2013 - 18:05.
#32
Posted 01 May 2013 - 18:26
Edited by wj_gibson, 01 May 2013 - 18:27.
#33
Posted 01 May 2013 - 19:37
#34
Posted 01 May 2013 - 20:22
I don't get it; just couple of days ago I read what guys in CA said, and now this..?
What did they say?
#35
Posted 01 May 2013 - 20:27
#36
Posted 01 May 2013 - 20:31
Well, they pleaded ignorance about F1 on that circuit.What did they say?
#37
Posted 01 May 2013 - 22:03
Actually they didn't. They let the door open for «stupid money». These are the same guys who ran CCWS in it's later days.They shot it down.
So, if Bernie shows up with a truck full of cash they will take the truck. We all know that if Bernie is serious about Long Beach he can outbid any price Indycar puts on the table.
That being said, I (still) do not believe it's that serious. Maybe just Kevin using the rumour to squeeze some more money in the next negotiation.
So, why don't we stay on the theoretically speaking until Bernie comes out again and unleashes his usual «Not interested»? It's not everyday you get a series replacing another series in a race.
Personally, I think Long Beach under FOM management would certainly come with the full bulk of support races. GP2, Porsche, Auto GP, anything they can use to block out alien yankees from the shedule. And with Bernie in charge I can't see Toyota keeping their naming rights unless they pay up big.
Edited by Red17, 01 May 2013 - 22:06.
#38
Posted 01 May 2013 - 22:11
Actually they didn't. They let the door open for «stupid money». These are the same guys who ran CCWS in it's later days.
So, if Bernie shows up with a truck full of cash they will take the truck. We all know that if Bernie is serious about Long Beach he can outbid any price Indycar puts on the table.
That being said, I (still) do not believe it's that serious. Maybe just Kevin using the rumour to squeeze some more money in the next negotiation.
So, why don't we stay on the theoretically speaking until Bernie comes out again and unleashes his usual «Not interested»? It's not everyday you get a series replacing another series in a race.
Personally, I think Long Beach under FOM management would certainly come with the full bulk of support races. GP2, Porsche, Auto GP, anything they can use to block out alien yankees from the shedule. And with Bernie in charge I can't see Toyota keeping their naming rights unless they pay up big.
Everything is for sale for the right price though.
Let's say it decides to go F1. Where are they going to get the money for the sanction fee? For the improvements? The race sponsorship cost will require an extra zero and that money is going straight to F1. And support races? Whoever pays for the privilege.
#39
Posted 01 May 2013 - 22:32
I've read the stories, and as they relate to my involvement, are completely untrue," he confirmed. "I did speak to Bernie about the possibility of F1 at Long Beach 12 months ago which ran in a later issue of MotorSport; the interview was done in May, and I did float the idea past Bernie then and got a lukewarm response, at best, and never pursued it any further.
"I'm not aware of anyone being up to anything else to replace IndyCars there, and my supposed role in such an attempt couldn't be anymore false. And to set the record straight, I don't even know Chris Pook, whom I'm supposedly working with..."
Brown also confirmed he has not had the topic raised by his close friend Ecclestone since their original discussion in 2012.
"No one spoke with me on this latest story or bothered to ask if it was true, and I'm also not aware of any conversations being held by the folks at Long Beach with F1," he explained. "I think I would be included in those conversations with Bernie as we had that discussion in the past and I see him all the time. If there was any sort of substantial conversations going on, I'd expect to hear about it straight from the source."
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#40
Posted 02 May 2013 - 04:01
Bernie doesn't pay tracks for races. Tracks pay Bernie for races.
Anyway, that track as it stands now is so bumpy & narrow, it would suck for F1. It sucks for IndyCar & ALMS as it is.
Edited by AustinF1, 02 May 2013 - 04:12.
#41
Posted 02 May 2013 - 07:15
I didn't see it.
#42
Posted 02 May 2013 - 07:21
Pretty sure it doesn't.So where did it say F1 was going to take place same meeting as IndyCar?
I didn't see it.