The London Grand Prix was proposed by Bernie Ecclestone and sponsored by Santander, and the effort gone into making this city street circuit not a stop start and dull right handed corner track has been well placed. You can't tell me as a fan this video didn't or doesn't still excite you?
Bit Cheesy Production But Still An Impressive & Exciting Track
(also see a computerised on-board lap at the bottom of the article)
Until this coming year, Spain have been the sole nation to host more than one Formula One Grand Prix in a season for a large number of years, with Germany occasionally hosting races at both the Nurburgring and the Hockeinheimring.
More than ever, countries from all across the world are bidding to host a race on the international circuit, which led to the argument that Spain should no longer have two races. Between this and financial troubles for both venues, the European slot in Valencia was taken away and replaced by the US Grand Prix in New Jersey, but this is now due to debut in 2014, alongside the inaugural Russian Grand Prix in Sochi.
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| Russia's Circuit In Sochi Has Venues From The 2014 Winter Olympic Games In The Surrounding Environment, Including The Striking & Unique Long Turn 3 |
That means if the Grand Prix calender in 2014 is to stay being 20 races or less, another existing race needs to be ditched, with the financially struggling and not amazingly popular Korean Grand Prix looking the most likely to concede at a best guess.
Nevertheless, with Argentina, South Africa, Thailand, France, and most recently/most promisingly Mexico all bidding for a slot over the next few years - having two United States races makes commericial and entertainment sense, but could the F1 calender contain a second British Grand Prix, even if it could be funded and be supported by London residents and government?
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| The Autodrome Hermanos Rodriguez was the venue for the Mexican Grand Prix, and is the most likely place to revive the Grand Prix, as it lies within the capital, Mexico City - Mexico now has two Mexican drivers, Perez & Gutierrez |
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| Nigel Mansell won the last Mexican Grand Prix in his dominant 1992 season |
Bernie Ecclestone certainly has been more complimentary of England recently, which despite being British himself is unusual.
"I think they did a good job with the Olympics," he said."It is the first time I have been proud of England. They showed that England can do it if they have to. The population was behind it. I just think that Formula One could do the same job for a lot less".
"Let's look at the worst-case scenario, which they wouldn't need to, and say a race in London costs them $50m (£31m) a year. Over 10 years that is $500m (£311m). What is that as a percentage of the £10bn they spent on the Olympics? And you are going to get good coverage for 10 years. When you think really and truly, the F1 industry is British. We have won more World Championships [than the foreign teams] and it is not government supported at all."
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| He may be in his 80's but he's got a point! |
If any country should have two races as well as the US, Great Britain is that place, perhaps with Italy and Germany as close runners up. Do you have a different opinion? If so then comment away!
As cool as it would be for so many reasons, but having being barely mentioned in the public eye for many, many months; it may be a dream that does not come true.
Share your thoughts on the London Grand Prix, and any other Formula One calender opinions by commenting below!
Nick, F1 Hub
A computer simulated lap of the London Grand Prix track onboard
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