17 replies to this topic

[Petroltorque]

I raise this question purely as to the financial viability of this event. The financial problems created by the fall in oil price are numerous impacting adversely Russia, Brazil but particularly Venezuela and Azerbaijan. In the case of Azerbaijan 95% of its foreign currency comes from petrodollars. They burnt through 60% of their foreign currency reserves last year pegging the Manat to the Dollar before finally giving up and allowing the currency to free sink. A lot of spurious research has been commissioned to claim that an F1 race brings in revenue for the local economy but the majority of races operate a loss. What new jobs are created if promoters have to buy in external expertise. In addition the sale of 28000 tickets will not provide a sustainable model. So any shortfall has to fall back on a impecunious state. The inaugural race might just take place to save face but after that I'd say all bets are off.

[Victor]

Let's hope you are right. We have had enough of F1 going to place with no motorsport tradition, were people are simply not interested about racing and money is the only reson for the F1 circus to go there.

[Spillage]

We can but hope.

[Petroltorque]

PS I should add, that not being a conspiracy theorist, there must be a reason that Ecclestone allowed the inaugural Baku GP to clash with Le Mans and the Baku officials did not have a clue. One assumes that CVC/FOM requested their race fees upfront to be paid in Euros, Swiss Francs or USD. Taking candy from a baby is the image that sticks in my mind.
It also might explain why some officials in the ruling government want the project deep sixed.

Edited by Petroltorque, 31 January 2016 - 14:33.

[Knot]

The Whoku GP?

 

I had to Google it to know.

[SenorSjon]

He has is own GP:

[Nonesuch]

The Whoku GP?

 
Not a fan of Eurovision or buildings named after a president then?
 
Nothing is certain before the cars drive out of the pitbox, I guess. Races get called off, not frequently, but often enough to be a real possibility. The race in Germany didn't happen in 2015, Bahrain was postponed and then called off in 2011. Canada and France were dropped after being on the provisional calender in 2009. There are many more examples from earlier times - Zhuhai in 1999 is an interesting example of a race at a new track that didn't take place.
 

It also might explain why some officials in the ruling government want the project deep sixed.

 
Do you have any more information on that?

[Petroltorque]

http://www.onestopst...rbaijan GP.html

[Bloggsworth]

I hope so, so many reasons.

[ensign14]

A lot of spurious research has been commissioned to claim that an F1 race brings in revenue for the local economy but the majority of races operate a loss.

 

There is considerable advertising benefit to the host, in that for a weekend the sporting attention is on Country X, so why Azerbaijan decides to call its race the European Grand Prix makes no sense whatsoever.  Unless it is part of a political thing to persuade people that, in spite of geography, Azerbaijan is part of Europe, but even then I doubt anyone cares.  So long as it is in Eurovision and UEFA people will assume it is the right side of the Caucasus.

[Kristian]

Too much has been made of it for them to back down now. 

 

But I am a bit worried they don't even seem to have built the pit complex yet. Even New Jersey managed that I think! 

[chunder27]

If they do go there the way to stop it happening in future you have an element of control over.

 

Don't watch it, don't watch qualifying don't watch live timing and if you must watch it find a torrent or something so you are not influencing viewing figures.

 

 

The more people stop themselves somehow if they can from doing these things the more it might eventually influence the powers that be to keep going to these ridiculous places.

I appreciate as fans we have no power really anymore, but you do have some, and this is one thing you could do.

 

But telling you folks these things is like banging your head against a brick wall, you think Silverstone is good value most of you

[CoolBreeze]

I don't think anyone cares if we race there or not. I'm sure people will be more concerned if Monza, Spa, etc were under threat. 

[Petroltorque]

I love the way the circuit chief keeps saying the GP is not under threat but he would say that. If they can't fund it it won't happen. At some point someone has to ask Ecclestone as a promoter what is he doing to sustain the sport?

[Silverstone96]

Having seen ted kravitz' photos I can't believe it will be ready and even if it is I can't believe how narrow some parts of the track will be

[Zava]

If they do go there the way to stop it happening in future you have an element of control over.

Don't watch it, don't watch qualifying don't watch live timing and if you must watch it find a torrent or something so you are not influencing viewing figures.


The more people stop themselves somehow if they can from doing these things the more it might eventually influence the powers that be to keep going to these ridiculous places.
I appreciate as fans we have no power really anymore, but you do have some, and this is one thing you could do.

But telling you folks these things is like banging your head against a brick wall, you think Silverstone is good value most of you

Problem is, majority of the viewers are casual viewers, not devoted fans like us. They just sit down in front of the TV at 2 pm on Saturday and Sunday, and that's it for them. They won't make a stand by not watching this race, they won't even know there is a community that advises viewers to boycott it, and won't know why should they boycott it. We hardcore fans can only make a slight blip in the figures.
For me it won't be hard though. I won't have enough mobile data to watch a stream of it in le mans.

[Kristian]

Having seen ted kravitz' photos I can't believe it will be ready and even if it is I can't believe how narrow some parts of the track will be

 

This is why I want this race to happen. I think it will be brilliant. 

[GoldenColt]

Another European GP under threat.