74 replies to this topic

[Captain Tightpants]

Ugh, I had already forgotten about this. On paper that has got to be the worst circuit proposal I've ever seen, anywhere. Certainly worse than Valencia. The only thing that could maybe almost save it would be if they planted hills even higher than Portimão's and then I'd still not be too sure about it.

Did nobody read the article midgrid linked to? Specifically, this part?

The track's local designer Gabriel Palmer has been criticised for his inexperience, but he said he has consulted with the Ferrari team.

"I have included their (Ferrari's) corrections in my current draft," said Palmer.

What was seen in July has since changed, though there are no plans to be seen just now. A few minor modifications and it could be just fine:





You'll have to forgive the crudeness of them - I did it in Paint just now.

[FigJam]

Back by unpopular demand, one showing only. You all proved my point about how a new circuit architect wouldn't make a difference - since people automatically assume that Tilke doesn't so much design as he does crap out the next circuit - and I felt the need to revel. Just clear the floor long enough for me to do the I-told-you-so dance and I'll be gone again. This place is toxic.

Sorry...but I couldn't let this slide. Your absolutely comical - I'll give you that.

At the time, I'm not sure what you were on your high horse about. Tilke is absolutely useless, every track he's been involved in is pathetic. However anyone who thinks simply having someone else design a track instead would solve that issue was clueless. There is reasons behind every new circuit being pure rubbish - and it isn't the architect or anyone else.

[Captain Tightpants]

There is reasons behind every new circuit being pure rubbish - and it isn't the architect or anyone else.

Which has long been my argument. However, people seem to think that swaping ilke out for somebody else will fix the problem because they'd rather do the easier thing.

[chivdog]

Yeah, after playing it on F1 2010 I've actually started to like Valencia.

Me too. The last sector is full on.

[BRG]

Because Valencia is not in the UK ;)

Nor is Spa but you rarely hear any criticism of that. Which sort of demolishes your point, doesn't it.

[Hole]

Nor is Spa but you rarely hear any criticism of that. Which sort of demolishes your point, doesn't it.

Not at all, you don't even know what the point is, see what I was quoting.

SPA is a very good track, we were talking about those that are as boring as Valencia but don't receive the same amount of criticism.


Oh, yeah, and despite that Silverstone is not as boring as Valencia, it is IMO a really boring track anyway and the british don't throw the same criticism toward that track because of the "location", the "tradition" and blah blah. But a boring track is a boring track anyway even if it was sourrounded by buildings made with cakes and chocolate.

Edited by AdamKOR, 06 January 2011 - 21:43.

[chdphd]

... But a boring track is a boring track anyway even if it was sourrounded by buildings made with cakes and chocolate.

[noikeee]

Oh, yeah, and despite that Silverstone is not as boring as Valencia, it is IMO a really boring track anyway and the british don't throw the same criticism toward that track because of the "location", the "tradition" and blah blah. But a boring track is a boring track anyway even if it was sourrounded by buildings made with cakes and chocolate.

Silverstone may put boring races, but it's also had memorable ones in the past (ex: 2003), and it can be easily forgiven for that spectacular first sector alone. Whereas Valencia has no redeeming features at all for being boring. The surroundings look ****, the layout looks **** and the races are ****.

[Captain Tightpants]

I think a lot of people will have warmed to Valencia after playing it in F1 2010. It won't attain the heights of circuits like Monza and Suzuka, but I think there will be less blind hatred for it.

[One]

This is the image shown by Autosport

Should the idea be that to materialize difficulties of both clock wise and anti-clock wise rack layout? Well but is it doing what is aimed at?

[Captain Tightpants]

You think they're trying to create a circuit that could be raced in either direction?

[Hole]

Silverstone may put boring races, but it's also had memorable ones in the past (ex: 2003), and it can be easily forgiven for that spectacular first sector alone. Whereas Valencia has no redeeming features at all for being boring. The surroundings look ****, the layout looks **** and the races are ****.

I don't think one should forgive it like that to Silverstone only because a memorable race 8 years ago... As I said Silverstone is not a Valencia, but it is still a boring track, I don't care about the surroundings (it's just a matter of taste, I don't think the ones from Valencia are ****) or the country that host it.
Only tracks that actually make me look at the surroundings is Spa, Albert Park and Canada...

Anyway, Valencia has been on the calendar for very few years...

Edited by AdamKOR, 07 January 2011 - 03:09.

[Cenotaph]

memo to spain:

You don't have money, stop trying to pretend that you do. You also have plenty of good circuits, try using some of them...

[midgrid]

Interesting article on the subject of F1 venues by Dieter Rencken (subscription only).

Given that turn-key projects invariably run to a minimum of $200 million (£140 million) per venue (and double that in some instances), that pans out at two-and-a-half billion bucks' worth of aspiration for grand prix real estate developments in one year alone. Throw in the £35 million race promoters' fees per event, and a potential half billion annually is added to the total in one easy move.

He then goes on to describe in detail how each many of the current venues are facing financial problems, suffering from low attendance figures, or require government support in order to survive.

(However, the US is rapidly building its own pile; there is, though, no truth in rumours that Vanuatu, Western Sahara, Xanadu, Yemen or Zimbabwe have designs on grands prix...)

Does he read the forum?

[Les]

HEY!!!

[Captain Tightpants]

HEY!!!

What does Austin have to do with Mallorca?

[Atreiu]

I read it as well.
Get ready to kiss Spa goodbye and enjoy an 11 GP calendar, with some places popping in and out ever so often.

[Les]

What does Austin have to do with Mallorca?

Sorry nothing, forgive me, but its the brilliantly cheesy picture in the subscription article linked by Midgrid, above. Made me laugh that's all.

[scheivlak]

http://www.newsday.c...lorca-1.5756180

"Spanish police say they have arrested 25 members of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang on the Mediterranean resort island of Mallorca.

A police statement issued Wednesday said the group's alleged European leader, German citizen Frank Hanebuth, was among those detained in 31 house raids.

Police said the 25 were wanted for suspected drug trafficking, trafficking in human beings, extortion, money laundering and corruption.

The statement said Hanebuth owned an estate on Mallorca valued at 2.5 million euros ($3.3 million) where the gang had planned to build a Formula One race track."

[Disgrace]

An F1 circuit paid for with money made from suspected human trafficking? I guess it was only a matter of time.

[OO7]

An F1 circuit paid for with money made from suspected human trafficking? I guess it was only a matter of time.

Given the circumstances your name is very apt.

[Brother Fox]

http://www.newsday.c...lorca-1.5756180

"Spanish police say they have arrested 25 members of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang on the Mediterranean resort island of Mallorca.

A police statement issued Wednesday said the group's alleged European leader, German citizen Frank Hanebuth, was among those detained in 31 house raids.

Police said the 25 were wanted for suspected drug trafficking, trafficking in human beings, extortion, money laundering and corruption.

The statement said Hanebuth owned an estate on Mallorca valued at 2.5 million euros ($3.3 million) where the gang had planned to build a Formula One race track."

It was just drug and human trafficking until they started to chat with Bernie.

[Petroltorque]

I've got two questions?; Is Spain still facing sever austerity and who is going to pay for the race. Spanish have already suffered the farce that was Valence. I believe it was meant to be bankrolled by private funding underwritten by State funding but when the private funding failed to materialise the state was left holding the baby. This is the state of Valence which is technically bankrupt.
Please don't tell me the people of Mallorca will allow themselves to be royally shafted as well.

[Jon83]

I've got two questions?; Is Spain still facing sever austerity and who is going to pay for the race. Spanish have already suffered the farce that was Valence. I believe it was meant to be bankrolled by private funding underwritten by State funding but when the private funding failed to materialise the state was left holding the baby. This is the state of Valence which is technically bankrupt.
Please don't tell me the people of Mallorca will allow themselves to be royally shafted as well.

It isn't going to happen. The initial story was from 2010.

[Der Pate]

I almost forgot, that Mallorca doesn´t belong to Germany...