41 replies to this topic

[Tomecek]

Considering certain possibility of cancelling this year's Bahrain Grand Prix I wonder if there were any other Formula One races cancelled due to any other reasons than safety and were already on approved (means no FIA-licence related asterixes, etc.) FIA calendar?

Edit: I mean, obviously, potential cancellation of Bahrain could be well due to safety reasons but here I meant safety by means e.g. track being too dangerous for drivers...

Edited by Tomecek, 15 February 2011 - 15:16.

[Antonov]

The round at Spa 1985 got delayed due to the asphalt breaking up.

[Gilles4Ever]

You could say the 1981 South African Formula One Grand Prix was cancelled - As a result of the FISA FOCA war of the day the race was run but as a Formula Libre race.

[midgrid]

The 1995 Pacific Grand Prix at Aida was meant to be held early in the year (like the 1994 race), but was postponed to round 15 of 17 due to the Kobe earthquake.

A race was scheduled to be held in New York during the 1983 season, but was cancelled and replaced with a round at Brands Hatch, titled the "Grand Prix of Europe".

The 1999 Argentine Grand Prix was cancelled, possibly due to the country's severe economic problems which occurred around then.

[Atreiu]

Postpone Bahrain to the week after Abu Dhabi, or push Abu Dhabi a week back and have Bahrian in its spot.

[Longtimefan]

Spa 1969 was cancelled after Jackie Stewart visited it and they hadn't done the improvements to safety that were asked for.

[Amphicar]

1) When the schedule for the 1984 F1 Championship was announced a street race at Fuengirola in Spain was to be the last race of the season. The track failed an FIA inspection so the race was replaced by the Portuguese Grand Prix at Estoril.

2) A race at the Zhuhai International Circuit in China was included in the provisional 1999 F1 calendar. However, the race was subsequently scrapped "due to logistical problems".

[Amphicar]

1) When the schedule for the 1984 F1 Championship was announced a street race at Fuengirola in Spain was to be the last race of the season. The track failed an FIA inspection so the race was replaced by the Portuguese Grand Prix at Estoril.

2) A race at the Zhuhai International Circuit in China was included in the provisional 1999 F1 calendar. However, the race was subsequently scrapped "due to logistical problems".

3) Indonesia's Sentul circuit was given a provisional date in the 1995 Formula 1 calendar but F1 political instability led to the race being quietly dropped.

[Rob29]

Spanish GP at ome time tended to be cancelled more often than held-cancelled at Barcelona -Pedralbes in 1952-53,55-7,Relegated to non-championship in 1980.
Swiss GP cancelled in 1955-56.
1957 Scheduled calendar reduced to 9 rounds-then 3 cancelled-lead to first case of extra race being added after the start-at Pescara.

[phil1993]

Spa 2006 was cancelled early in 2006 IIRC
France 2009 was on the provisional calendar but got called off by the French motorsport federation

[KR571]

don't be astonished if Indian GP gets canceled this year. (though it seems to be going smoothly for now.)

[Ise]

Estoril is due to conclude the 1997 season, but financial issues meant it ended up going to Jerez.

[Gyan]

don't be astonished if Indian GP gets canceled this year. (though it seems to be going smoothly for now.)

I really don't know where this comes from ?

[ryan86]

One would say that the last two major events the Indians have been given haven't exactly given people great faith in their record to get things done in time. Last years Commonwealth Games went ahead after a sterling effort by the street kids to get the stadium ready over the last fortnight and one of the stadiums for next months cricket world cup has been classed unready as well.

Of course, I know you can look at the UK with Wembley recently as well as many other stillborn and uncompleted projects around the world, but the Indians record for their past two builds doesn't exactly give you 100% confidence.

[EdwardCullen]

don't be astonished if Indian GP gets canceled this year. (though it seems to be going smoothly for now.)

Yeah, we are holding our breaths collectively to see this happen
I think FIA shud fire Whiting and hire this guy

[EdwardCullen]

One would say that the last two major events the Indians have been given haven't exactly given people great faith in their record to get things done in time. Last years Commonwealth Games went ahead after a sterling effort by the street kids to get the stadium ready over the last fortnight and one of the stadiums for next months cricket world cup has been classed unready as well.

Of course, I know you can look at the UK with Wembley recently as well as many other stillborn and uncompleted projects around the world, but the Indians record for their past two builds doesn't exactly give you 100% confidence.

omg! do you even know what happened to the Cricket stadium which got cancelled?
First off its the best and OLDEST stadium in indian, Established in 1864
it was going to be renovated , adding few extra facilitites to the stadium in the process, but u also need to know that Kolkatta recieves the highest amount of rain in india
which delayed every construction. So as they have brought down the structures they couldnt complete it.......If they had left it alone, it would not have cancelled.

The Common wealth fiasco is completely different!, it was run by the government...who had zero interest in the games, but more interest in their pockets!

But the Indian GP is build by private authorities (Jaypee i think) who are putting their hard earned money into this, not the taxpayers money!

And FIA just finished their inspection two days ago, and they are happy with the progress
http://www.autosport...rt.php/id/89481

[ryan86]

omg! do you even know what happened to the Cricket stadium which got cancelled?
First off its the best and OLDEST stadium in indian, Established in 1864
it was going to be renovated , adding few extra facilitites to the stadium in the process, but u also need to know that Kolkatta recieves the highest amount of rain in india
which delayed every construction. So as they have brought down the structures they couldnt complete it.......If they had left it alone, it would not have cancelled.

The Common wealth fiasco is completely different!, it was run by the government...who had zero interest in the games, but more interest in their pockets!

But the Indian GP is build by private authorities (Jaypee i think) who are putting their hard earned money into this, not the taxpayers money!

And FIA just finished their inspection two days ago, and they are happy with the progress
http://www.autosport...rt.php/id/89481

But what ever the reasons you give, and I know there can be sometimes outside circumstances that cause plans to fail, the facts are ultimately are that one build made it by the skin of their teeth for one and the other, a renovation, wasn't made on time. If Kolkatta is the wettest place in India as you say, surely it's known that it's likely to be wet and should be factored in accordingly. I don't mean to run India down because historically it's a fascinating country, but at the same time trust to carry off these events usually needs to be earnt and I can't say that India have earned this yet and therefore there will be doubts.

[Group B]

But what ever the reasons you give, and I know there can be sometimes outside circumstances that cause plans to fail, the facts are ultimately are that one build made it by the skin of their teeth for one and the other, a renovation, wasn't made on time. If Kolkatta is the wettest place in India as you say, surely it's known that it's likely to be wet and should be factored in accordingly. I don't mean to run India down because historically it's a fascinating country, but at the same time trust to carry off these events usually needs to be earnt and I can't say that India have earned this yet and therefore there will be doubts.

To be fair they're hardly alone; countless big projects here in blighty run years late; they're usually only saved from delay by big fat extra cash injections.

[lustigson]

On June 1st, it was announced that the 1994 Argentine Grand Prix would not take place in October. Improvements to the Buenos Aires track were not expected to be finished in time.

[Laffite]

Postpone Bahrain to the week after Abu Dhabi, or push Abu Dhabi a week back and have Bahrian in its spot.

It makes a lot of sense to me, logistically speaking, with an advantage of a title showdown WITH overtakings.

Bahrain circuit is not a jewel, but it is ok..

[Somnambulist]

Don't forget that the final round of testing is the weekend prior to the first race (officially a GP2 Asia weekend), which might done in a climate that significantly differs from the week after.

Bernie surely has options, right? Not like I'd get my hopes up on having the 20th race if Bahrain is canceled, but one would think it'd be possible to book a track on a few week's notice (now) or for a reschedule later in the year with there being plenty to choose from. Hell, they could do Quatar and only need to change where the team's bulk cargo is shipped after the third testing event ... or after Abu Dhabi.

But bleh, I know a big issue on any kind of replacement or reschedule is commercial/sponsorship worries and costs for the host. For how much he'd lose by not running a race at all, Bernie might be swayed to run SOME race to cover at least some of the losses. Perhaps call it a "skeleton GP" much like the test events are run, but bringing in full steward staff to get rid of off those pesky red flags.

[scheivlak]

The 1972 Dutch GP was cancelled as well because of safety dispute: http://www.circuitso...arkenglish.html

[Doughnut King]

I suspect that if gets canceled it will stay canceled for the 2011 season.

Edited by Doughnut King, 16 February 2011 - 00:43.

[krapmeister]

omg! do you even know what happened to the Cricket stadium which got cancelled?
First off its the best and OLDEST stadium in indian, Established in 1864
it was going to be renovated , adding few extra facilitites to the stadium in the process, but u also need to know that Kolkatta recieves the highest amount of rain in india
which delayed every construction. So as they have brought down the structures they couldnt complete it.......If they had left it alone, it would not have cancelled.

The Common wealth fiasco is completely different!, it was run by the government...who had zero interest in the games, but more interest in their pockets!

But the Indian GP is build by private authorities (Jaypee i think) who are putting their hard earned money into this, not the taxpayers money!

And FIA just finished their inspection two days ago, and they are happy with the progress
http://www.autosport...rt.php/id/89481

Allegedly it is taxpayers money that are being used. Have a read of Joe Saward's blog...

[KR571]

I really don't know where this comes from ?

firstly i m an Indian.
commonwealth fiasco, adarsh society, 2G, isro-antrix affair,etc,etc.
because of all these i do have nightmares that it may be canceled or something will go south. but the good thing is its going pretty well til now.
i do not mean any disrespect of any sort by my earlier comment towards my country and the tricolor. i m just worried about the people who tend to become naughty when huge sums of money is involved. i mean can u really believe the our politicians can keep their hands off such a lucrative opportunity? i don't think so.

[KR571]

Yeah, we are holding our breaths collectively to see this happen
I think FIA shud fire Whiting and hire this guy

uhh... no they should not.
I really want indian GP 2011 to become a reality. if i replace whiting then....

[KR571]

But what ever the reasons you give, and I know there can be sometimes outside circumstances that cause plans to fail, the facts are ultimately are that one build made it by the skin of their teeth for one and the other, a renovation, wasn't made on time. If Kolkatta is the wettest place in India as you say, surely it's known that it's likely to be wet and should be factored in accordingly. I don't mean to run India down because historically it's a fascinating country, but at the same time trust to carry off these events usually needs to be earnt and I can't say that India have earned this yet and therefore there will be doubts.

well firstly, the Eden gardens issue: only one match was canceled. the stadium will still host 3 out of 4 matches. and no body is happy about that. not BCCI not the state government(who will loose money in tourism), etc,etc.
second, the CWG2010: it was successfully organized. none of the events were canceled. it was actually very good. The issue was that government spent 70000 crores INR when the initial budget passed was of 293 crores. so common man paid for it but nevertheless it was conducted successfully.
So what i am trying to say is if it was a national project,then well no chance it gets completed in time. but since this is international affair and the pride is pretty much on the line, the circuit will be completed before the free practice starts. even if it means only 5 mins. before but it will be completed.
When i wrote my first comment i was not worried that the project may not be completed. i was worried that bernie will find his match in one of our politician in the competition for snatching the cash and there may be a change in things because of that.

[Gyan]

firstly i m an Indian.
commonwealth fiasco, adarsh society, 2G, isro-antrix affair,etc,etc.
because of all these i do have nightmares that it may be canceled or something will go south. but the good thing is its going pretty well til now.
i do not mean any disrespect of any sort by my earlier comment towards my country and the tricolor. i m just worried about the people who tend to become naughty when huge sums of money is involved. i mean can u really believe the our politicians can keep their hands off such a lucrative opportunity? i don't think so.

Yeah, I'm Indian too and I completely understand your paranoia towards corruption. It can't be argued especially with corruption scandals coming from even the freaking army, not only the bureaucracy and politicians. Kalmadi is linked to this project too, and I have no doubt any money which was to be swindled, already has been. I doubt the skeletons will come out of the closet, because this GP will take place easily, the asphalt is already going to be laid and we should make it comfortably.

As for the Commonwealth and Cricket issue, they both involved, probably the most corrupt institutions in this country. Shamefully, the government and unsurprisingly the large monster that is the BCCI. The government is corrupt, but the BCCI is inefficient, corrupt and downright dirty.

[ed24f1]

I suspect that if gets canceled it will stay canceled for the 2011 season.

If there is no large change in the governing of the country, as in Egypt, I think it will still go ahead later in the year - the government would be fairly desperate for the race to go ahead at some point.

Also, delaying it means less tickets to refund, as well as avoids contracts to sponsors and TV broadcasters being broken.


They could also put it 1 week after Shanghai, as there is a 3-week break before Turkey. However, either this or twinning it with Abu Dhabi wouldn't be too popular with some of the team personnel, as it would mean that there would be 3 races in 3 weekends unless other races are moved.

Edited by ed24f1, 16 February 2011 - 13:14.

[William Hunt]

The list of canceled GP's since 1950 is quite long, if you want I can look it all up and post it here for you

[Wlleiotl]

It makes a lot of sense to me, logistically speaking, with an advantage of a title showdown WITH overtakings.

Bahrain circuit is not a jewel, but it is ok..

brazil is the finale this year

[William Hunt]

Canceled F1 Grand Prix 1950 - 1973: (Part 1)

1952: Spanish GP @ Pedralbes, October 26
1953: Spanish GP @ Pedralbes, October 25
1954: Dutch GP @ Zandvoort, June 6
1955: French GP @ Rheims, July 3
1955: German GP @ Nürburgring, July 31
1955: Swiss GP @ Bremgarten, August 21
1955: Spanish GP @ Pedralbes, October 23
1957: Belgian GP @ Spa Francorschamps, June 2
1957: Dutch GP @ Zandvoort, June 16
1957: Spanish GP @ Pedralbes, October 20
1959: Argentine GP @ Bueños Aires, January 25
1959: Belgian GP @ Spa Francorschamps, June 14
1959: Moroccan GP @ Ain Diab (Cassablanca), October 11
1960: Moroccan GP @ Ain Diab (Cassablanca), October ?
1961: Moroccan GP @ Ain Diab (Cassablanca), October 29
1965: Austrian GP @ Zeltweg, August 22
1969: Belgian GP @ Spa Francorschamps, June 8
1971: Belgian GP @ Spa Francorschamps, June 6
1971: Mexican GP @ Mexico City, October 24
1972: U.S.A. West GP @ Ontario Motor Speedway, April 9
1972: Dutch GP @ Zandvoort, June 18
1972: Mexican GP @ Mexico City, October 22

[Villes Gilleneuve]

firstly i m an Indian.
commonwealth fiasco, adarsh society, 2G, isro-antrix affair,etc,etc.
because of all these i do have nightmares that it may be canceled or something will go south. but the good thing is its going pretty well til now.
i do not mean any disrespect of any sort by my earlier comment towards my country and the tricolor. i m just worried about the people who tend to become naughty when huge sums of money is involved. i mean can u really believe the our politicians can keep their hands off such a lucrative opportunity? i don't think so.

You think this phenomenon is just Indian?

Show me one major project at this scale anywhere without some sleazy politician involved. Like flies to a fresh, tasty turd.

[KR571]

You think this phenomenon is just Indian?

Show me one major project at this scale anywhere without some sleazy politician involved. Like flies to a fresh, tasty turd.

true. but in India many such things are being brought to light now a days. so there is a good chance that Indian GP may be caught in all the cross fire.

[domenico]

In 1978 Swedish Gp was in preliminary calendar for next year 1979. But with death of two swedish driver (Peterson in 09/1978 and Nilsson in 10/1978) race was cancelled.
Also Roma was in talks and preliminary calendars in mid 80-ies, same as New York. There was often circuit layouts surrounding city streets.

[Ferrari_F1_fan_2001]

don't be astonished if Indian GP gets canceled this year. (though it seems to be going smoothly for now.)

While highly unlikely, it is not impossible.

The caste system in India has caused a massive gulf in wealth, poverty and divide in living standards for many years. The government is also very corrupt and the events in certain Muslim countries may act as a catalyst for an uproar India too.

[HistoryFan]

3) Indonesia's Sentul circuit was given a provisional date in the 1995 Formula 1 calendar but F1 political instability led to the race being quietly dropped.

I think because of that there was the Pacific GP in Aida...

[Gyan]

While highly unlikely, it is not impossible.

The caste system in India has caused a massive gulf in wealth, poverty and divide in living standards for many years. The government is also very corrupt and the events in certain Muslim countries may act as a catalyst for an uproar India too.

No, I don't think so. First of all, I believe we are spineless in such matters. Secondly, the protesters in the Middle East are protesting against oppression and wanting democracy. In India we already have a good constitution and political system. It's not that is wrong in the country, it's the mentality that each of us is fed since an early age. There is nothing to revolt against, since we don't have any better alternative at the moment.

[Captain Tightpants]

There was a "Grand Prix of the Soviet Union" planned for Moscow in 1983, but it never came to fruition. That started Bernie's thirty-year quest to get a race in Russia, and directly led to the creation of the Hungarian Grand Prix in 1986 because he wanted a race behind the Iron Curtain.

[gio66]

Argentina 1976 (Golpe Videla) and 1982 (Falklands war).

[Ross Stonefeld]

Races that were removed from a provisional calendar surely don't count.

[Youichi]

Races that were removed from a provisional calendar surely don't count.

I agree, otherwise we'll be talking about the 2010 British GP ay Donington.