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F1 News & Discussions => General F1 Discussion => Topic started by: Robem64 on January 17, 2020, 02:43:21 PM

Title: Saudi Arabia Race
Post by: Robem64 on January 17, 2020, 02:43:21 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/51137520 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/51137520)
Title: Re: Saudi Arabia Race
Post by: Jericoke on January 17, 2020, 03:09:21 PM
Honestly, I've been surprised to see 'petro state' races without one popping up in Saudi Arabia.  Saudis have been involved in the sport in ownership roles, the country has a cosmopolitan population, and has a strong 'car culture'.

I can't say I support Saudi Arabia as a regime, but wouldn't be the worst place the F1 circus goes.  I know the FIA tries to stay apolitical, but I'd support a 10 race season if they wanted to keep things 'ethical'.
Title: Re: Saudi Arabia Race
Post by: Robem64 on January 17, 2020, 04:26:50 PM
I'd be hopeful that the track would be a good one as it appears it's actually had an ex-F1 driver consulted on it!
Title: Re: Saudi Arabia Race
Post by: Jericoke on January 17, 2020, 08:13:00 PM
I'd be hopeful that the track would be a good one as it appears it's actually had an ex-F1 driver consulted on it!

If memory serves, Michael Schumacher consulted on the design of Malaysia.  I thought that was unfair, since he was an active driver at the time!
Title: Re: Saudi Arabia Race
Post by: Andy B on January 17, 2020, 08:45:43 PM
I'd be hopeful that the track would be a good one as it appears it's actually had an ex-F1 driver consulted on it!

Its Alexander Wurz who besides being an ex F1 driver (Benetton, McLaren and Williams driver plus two-time Le Mans winner) is the current GP drivers association chairman so you would like to think he has some idea what he's talking about.
Title: Re: Saudi Arabia Race
Post by: John S on January 17, 2020, 08:48:57 PM
Think teams will all be pleased whatever the track is like if the rumoured $50m+ race fee works out.
With race fees dropping at the historic European races Liberty needs another top payday to take up the slack.  :(

On the subject of acceptable/unacceptable regimes how come China is seldom cited for it's deficient human rights record and weird trade practices yet oil states get a right slagging.  :crazy:

I'm surprised it's taken this long for Saudis to want an F1 track/race.
 
Title: Re: Saudi Arabia Race
Post by: Dare on January 18, 2020, 12:04:44 AM
Seems to me Australia and Canada should both
have a extra race.
Title: Re: Saudi Arabia Race
Post by: Robem64 on January 18, 2020, 08:07:49 AM
On the subject of acceptable/unacceptable regimes how come China is seldom cited for it's deficient human rights record and weird trade practices yet oil states get a right slagging.  :crazy:

Good point :good:
Title: Re: Saudi Arabia Race
Post by: Alianora La Canta on January 20, 2020, 10:45:50 AM
At a guess, I think that Saudi Arabia paid the FIA a lot of money for the Formula E race and associated press coverage, because the media thought Saudi Arabia would find the human rights conditions unacceptable. Yes, Formula E is why women in Saudi Arabia are now allowed to drive, and why women's authority to travel can now be checked via an app (meaning restrictions can be lifted in a couple of minutes if unintentionally/incorrectly applied, instead of the previous hours/days-long procedure).

The authorities probably want to do the same thing again with F1.
Title: Re: Saudi Arabia Race
Post by: Jericoke on January 20, 2020, 03:09:42 PM
At a guess, I think that Saudi Arabia paid the FIA a lot of money for the Formula E race and associated press coverage, because the media thought Saudi Arabia would find the human rights conditions unacceptable. Yes, Formula E is why women in Saudi Arabia are now allowed to drive, and why women's authority to travel can now be checked via an app (meaning restrictions can be lifted in a couple of minutes if unintentionally/incorrectly applied, instead of the previous hours/days-long procedure).

The authorities probably want to do the same thing again with F1.

Count me presently surprised with the FIA meeting their mandate of making automobile operation safer and more accessible, and using motorsport to do so!

If having an F1 race in Saudi Arabia is leading to actual policy changes, I withdraw my sentiments about the regime, vis a vie F1 (I still wouldn't go there, but I'll support progress)
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