22 replies to this topic

[HistoryFan]

There will be no German Grand Prix in 2015. But there also won't be a replacement race. Some years ago there were replacement races nominated, but which ones and were there ever a case that a replacement race was held?

[Risil]

The 1997 European Grand Prix was added as a substitute when Estoril -- which was due to host the final round -- dropped out. This BBC article adds the interesting point that Jerez was chosen because Renault did not want to end their two-decade involvement in F1 with a race in Japan. So they demanded the full 17-race calendar, presumably with a finale in Europe as originally agreed.

[OvDrone]

Did not know that, Risil. Cool.

 

Just replace the GP with a race at Istanbul Park. It can't be that hard, right? Better than suffering the fate of ending up like a supermarket parking lot.

 

If we won't have Silverstone, Spa and Monza, I will literally lose my s***.

[wj_gibson]

There were numerous instances of reserve races being hastily arranged in the 1980s in the event of other cancellations. The 2 Brands Hatch European GPs are a good example of that, and even in my season guide preview for 1986 I distinctly recall Zandvoort being in there as a first reserve circuit in case of either Jerez or the Hungaroring not being completed on time.

Wouldn't happen now.

[midgrid]

The 1983 European Grand Prix at Brands Hatch was a replacement for a planned race in New York that never took place (sounds familiar?).

[Risil]

The 1983 European Grand Prix at Brands Hatch was a replacement for a planned race in New York that never took place (sounds familiar?).

 

It did take place, but a year later and not with F1 cars.

 

Seem to recall something about a third Las Vegas GP being on the cards for 1983 at some stage. Wasn't the 1985 Brands Hatch race also a replacement for something?

There's a thread in TNF about the bonkers F1 calendars issued by FISA in the 1980s. The first drafts they issued would have around 20 rounds on them, apparently fully expecting that some would drop out. Hungary and Mexico seemed to be on there every year, long before they actually happened.

[redreni]

There were numerous instances of reserve races being hastily arranged in the 1980s in the event of other cancellations. The 2 Brands Hatch European GPs are a good example of that, and even in my season guide preview for 1986 I distinctly recall Zandvoort being in there as a first reserve circuit in case of either Jerez or the Hungaroring not being completed on time.

Wouldn't happen now.

 

No, because the Circuits then didn't have to pony up entirely uneconomical hosting fees, so it was relatively easy to arrange something at short notice. That's not the case anymore, so it's no use nominating possible alternative venues based on common sense or logistical factors. Those aren't the operative considerations any more.

[wj_gibson]

Brands in 1985 was a replacement for the still-born Rome GP.

In 1983, Brands replaced a proposed New York race. The Las Vegas race was intended as a 17th event and simply wasn't replaced (i.e. the calendar simply fell back to 16 races).

[jonpollak]

The 1997 European Grand Prix was added as a substitute when Estoril -- which was due to host the final round -- dropped out. This BBC article adds the interesting point that Jerez was chosen because Renault did not want to end their two-decade involvement in F1 with a race in Japan. So they demanded the full 17-race calendar, presumably with a finale in Europe as originally agreed.

AND..The party after the race at a little club just outside town was legendary.The place was RAMMED.

After JV left the bar he and Jock Clear ran into Michael back at the Hotel where they convinced Michael to don a yellow wig and share a brandy !!!

 

Jp

Edited by jonpollak, 21 March 2015 - 13:22.

[Risil]

Can't imagine Fernando Alonso putting on some fake gold chains and a pug following a Lewis Hamilton championship victory, somehow.

 

I could be wrong!

Edited by Risil, 21 March 2015 - 13:21.

[jonpollak]

I have pics of that night somewhere...  the wife says they are at her brothers.

 

I'll get 'em one day

 

Jp

[Rob29]

Brands in 1985 was a replacement for the still-born Rome GP.

In 1983, Brands replaced a proposed New York race. The Las Vegas race was intended as a 17th event and simply wasn't replaced (i.e. the calendar simply fell back to 16 races).

Always thought 1983 Euro GP at Brands was replacement for Swiss GP at Dijon held in 1982-story at the time  was that no TV would cover it!

[midgrid]

AND..The party after the race at a little club just outside town was legendary.The place was RAMMED.

After JV left the bar he and Jock Clear ran into Michael back at the Hotel where they convinced Michael to don a yellow wig and share a brandy !!!

 

Jp

 

Damn, I was hoping that the final link would be a photo...

[midgrid]

It did take place, but a year later and not with F1 cars.

 

Just like F1 dropped Long Beach, Detroit (Belle Isle) and Indianapolis (road course) for CART/IndyCar to take over!  How long before we see IndyCars at CoTA?

Edited by midgrid, 21 March 2015 - 14:05.

[TheSnowman]

Always thought 1983 Euro GP at Brands was replacement for Swiss GP at Dijon held in 1982-story at the time was that no TV would cover it!

No, Brands Hatch in 83 was a replacement for Flushing Meadows, while the Swiss Grand Prix wasn't replaced at all. Originally it was going to be between Canada and Britain, but it was dropped and there ended up been a 5 week gap between those 2 races.

A lot of European Grand Prix' have ended up been replacement races. 83 was for Flushing Meadows, 85 was for Rome, 93 was a replacement for an Asian Grand Prix at Autopolis in Japan, 94 was for Buenos Aires, and 97 was for Estoril.

[Risil]

A lot of European Grand Prix' have ended up been replacement races. 83 was for Flushing Meadows, 85 was for Rome, 93 was a replacement for an Asian Grand Prix at Autopolis in Japan, 94 was for Buenos Aires, and 97 was for Estoril.

 

And finally, it got a permanent spot on the calendar. The Roberto Moreno of Grands Prix!

Edited by Risil, 21 March 2015 - 16:37.

[HistoryFan]

A very interesting thread! Thank you!

[MatthewA]

Hmmm... this book may have an idea!

 

[DampMongoose]

Nurburgring was cancelled due to being unwilling to improve safety and they raced at Hockenheim instead in the early 70s. Stewart received death threats as a result.

[Risil]

How did they send them without Twitter?

[DampMongoose]

By post. Even psychopaths had manners back before Jeremy Kyle.

[DampMongoose]

Hmmm... this book may have an idea!

What book is that and why have they captioned the new Spa as the old ring? Although the number of books I have featuring 'Sterling' Moss is saddening.

[MatthewA]

What book is that and why have they captioned the new Spa as the old ring? Although the number of books I have featuring 'Sterling' Moss is saddening.

 

- "The world atlas of Formula One tracks (on Google Earth)" by Bruce Jones

- Because stupidity?