DanFlag
06-16-2006, 06:55 AM
There is still no news from FIA regarding the replacement of the race at Spa-Francorchamps. It will be very bad news for the 13 GP2 teams if FIA decides just to cancel the round, because when the teams signs sponsor deals they are sold with exposure in 12 rounds and not 11.
source: http://flagworld.auto123.com/en/racing/news/index,view.spy?artid=63737
So what are the most likely tracks to replace Spa? Since Spain (Valencia & Catalunya), Germany (Nürburgring & Hockenheim) and Italy (Imola & Monza) already have two events each, then the most likely replacements must be Estoril in Portugal, Brands Hatch or Donnington in Great Britain, Pau in France, Brno in the Czech Republic or a return to Bahrain like last year.
The most logical choice would be a second race in Britain - simply because GP2 and FIA would be sure of a huge turnout to see Hamilton as possible titleholder and in his last race in GP2.
A race at the legendary street circuit in Pau could also be a possibility. France do have some interesting names currently in GP2 - Premat, Lapierre, Perera, Gommendy and Pla - but since the demise of the Ligier/Prost F1 team many French sponsors have found other ways to use their sponsorship money. A race at Pau could be a good opportunity to try and regain the interest from some of those.
Estoril would also be a great event. At the moment the interest in motorsport is big in Portugal due to a certain Tiago Monteiro in F1. The Estoril circuit currently has a place in the MotoGP calendar so the track is in good shape and the pit-facilities are also new and modern. Portugal is currently also trying to get a WRC event so a well promoted GP2 race could boost their relationship with FIA.
source: http://flagworld.auto123.com/en/racing/news/index,view.spy?artid=63737
So what are the most likely tracks to replace Spa? Since Spain (Valencia & Catalunya), Germany (Nürburgring & Hockenheim) and Italy (Imola & Monza) already have two events each, then the most likely replacements must be Estoril in Portugal, Brands Hatch or Donnington in Great Britain, Pau in France, Brno in the Czech Republic or a return to Bahrain like last year.
The most logical choice would be a second race in Britain - simply because GP2 and FIA would be sure of a huge turnout to see Hamilton as possible titleholder and in his last race in GP2.
A race at the legendary street circuit in Pau could also be a possibility. France do have some interesting names currently in GP2 - Premat, Lapierre, Perera, Gommendy and Pla - but since the demise of the Ligier/Prost F1 team many French sponsors have found other ways to use their sponsorship money. A race at Pau could be a good opportunity to try and regain the interest from some of those.
Estoril would also be a great event. At the moment the interest in motorsport is big in Portugal due to a certain Tiago Monteiro in F1. The Estoril circuit currently has a place in the MotoGP calendar so the track is in good shape and the pit-facilities are also new and modern. Portugal is currently also trying to get a WRC event so a well promoted GP2 race could boost their relationship with FIA.