2010 F1 Schedule

[cosworth151]

AutoWeek is reporting on a draft copy of the 2010 schedule that was making the rounds at Spa. The season starts in Bahrain and ends in Abu Dhabi. South Korea in notably absent, and a Grand Prix of Europe as Silverstone is on the same day as Donington. (Braces and a belt, I guess) Valencia would be called the Mediterranean GP. Montreal is back. Nothing for the U.S.

Let the speculation begin!

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20090908/F1/909089988

[Jericoke]

So no British Grand Prix, but a European Grand Prix in Britain?

I have to say, the name 'Mediterranean Grand Prix' is kind of nice though.

Maybe it's time to rename some of the other Grands Prix?

Turkey becomes the 'Ghost Town Grand Prix'.

Australia becomes the 'Shootout at Sundown Grand Prix'

Malaysia becomes a regatta...

[cosworth151]

Donington currently has the rights to the British GP. Moving the race back to Silverstone under another name would allow Donington another year to get things in order.

[Jericoke]

Donington currently has the rights to the British GP. Moving the race back to Silverstone under another name would allow Donington another year to get things in order.

So this is as close we'll see to Bernie admitting he made a mistake?

[Scott]

Why a mistake?  Bernie certainly has a clause in there that means that if Donington don't make the date, then they'll $pay$ a penalty if not the entire race fee.  Then he'll go get the cheque from Silverstone on top of that.  Mistake?  I don't think so.

[Jericoke]

Why a mistake?  Bernie certainly has a clause in there that means that if Donington don't make the date, then they'll $pay$ a penalty if not the entire race fee.  Then he'll go get the cheque from Silverstone on top of that.  Mistake?  I don't think so.

I'm suggesting the mistake is stake his reputation on Donnington hosting the British Grand Prix, forcing him to cancel the British Grand Prix all together for 2010.

Surely his plan wasn't to strip Donnington of their money and return the British GP to Silverstone all along though.  It's just a cushy fall back position.

I'd be happy to make the mistakes that Bernie makes.

[Scott]

Reputation?  That IS his reputation.  I bet you he knew it was highly unlikely that Donington was going to be ready in time, and of course it was also a way to have another 'Good Bye Silverstone' race to keep the British (and non-British) fans happy.

[FW14B]

I really wouldn't be surprised if Bernie's plan was to strip dry Donington knowing that it was unlikely they would be able to get a F1 level circuit ready in time.  In the mean time, Silverstone takes steps to get the circuit to where Bernie wants it and in time returns to being the British GP.