Formula 1 and the Olympic Games.

[Shadaza]

I will be running a theoretical what if scenario here, being as the title suggests, what if F1 was included as an event in the Olympic games. Starting with the 1952 Olympics (The first year F1 and the Olympics collide) I will be writing a fictional championship with the results based on the actual season that collides with the 1952 Olympics. There will be 4 medal events. A Time Trial. A 2 man Team event. A Grand Prix. An Constructors Trophy.

The Time Trial will be a fastest lap wins event. The two man team event will be a short heat race between 4 other nations with the top aggregate result between drivers of a nation will win. The Grand Prix will be a full length race open to all competitors of the previous two events. The constructors trophy will be medals awarded to the best constructors from the previous 3 events, thus to give incentive for the teams to compete.

The next matter is Qualification for the games. The Olympic Commission has laid out the following automatic qualification guidelines:

Qualification.
Top 12 Last Formula 1 World Championship
Top 8 Championship for the year before that.
Top 4 from the season 3 years earlier
Olympic Champion/ World Champion 4 years previous.
Maximum of 3 entrants per nation.
Indy 500 does not count.

[FantometteBR]

So, can the users enter in it or it will be all done by the creator?

[Shadaza]

So, can the users enter in it or it will be all done by the creator?

Oh sorry for not making this clear, I plan to write this as a type of alternative championship fiction unless that is someone wants to take the idea on to a sign up game. I don't really have any racing games to host it on and I don't really have the time to lead one either.

[Aerospeed]

Why should you have the defending Olympic Champion automatically qualify??

[Shadaza]

Why should you have the defending Olympic Champion automatically qualify??

Hmmm you have a fair point, maybe that rule should be adjusted.

With the 1952 Olympics being awarded to Helsinki, Finland. The circuit to be used is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_Grand_Prix
The following drivers automatically qualified for the games
Juan Manuel Fangio (ARG) 1951 World Champion
Alberto Ascari (ITA) 2nd, 1951
Frolian Gonzalez (ARG) 3rd, 1951
Guiseppi Farina (ITA) 4th, 1951
Luigi Villoresi (ITA) 5th, 1951
Reg Parnell (GBR) 8th, 1951 (Indy 500 results excluded)
Louis Rosier (FR) 4th, 1950
Prince Bira (THAI) 5th, 1950
Peter Whitehead (GBR) 6th, 1950
Louis Chiron (IOP) 7th, 1950 (Independent Olympic Participant)

Reserve: Drivers who have met the required automatic qualification guidelines but fall behind the 3 drivers per nation rule.
Piero Taruffi (ITA)
Felice Bonetto (ITA)
Luigi Fagioli (ITA)
Consalvo Sanesi (ITA)


Room for further drivers was to be given via Olympic Qualifying Standard, for the opening 3 races of the 1952 F1 season. Qualifying in the top 6 for a race would be A grade standard. Automatic qualification for the TimeTrial. Whilst a top 10 would be B grade standard, qualification for a nation who do not have a representative driver. Qualfication for the Team Competition would be also Divided by A grade and B grade, with again top 6 and top 10 boundaries. Though in this case the B standard would be used to ensure two entires in to the team event.

Time Trial (A) standard.
Robert Manzon (FR)
Andre Simon (FR)
Rudi Fischer (SUI)
Peter Collins (GBR)
Jean Behra (FR)
Mike Hawthron (GBR)
Maurice Trintignant (FR)

B standard
Paul Frere (BEL)


Team Sprint.
A Standard
Rudi Fischer (Sui)
Jean Behra (FR)
Ken Wharton (GBR)
Alan Brown (GBR)
Toulo de Graffenried (SUI)
Robert Manzon (FR)
Mike Hawthorne (GBR)
Paul Frere (BEL)
Maurice Trintignant (FR)
Peter Collins (GBR)

B standard
None

WC
Roger Laurent (BEL) winner of 1952 non-championship Finish Grand Prix.

This left the Olympic commissions in France and Great Britain with a difficult issue as although Rosier of France and Whitehead of Britain are given automatic Olympic spots, because of their lack of performance in recent meetings, the commissions decided to replace them with qualifiers. France will enter Manzon, Trintignant and Behra. Great Britain will enter, Mike Hawthorne, Peter Collins and Reg Parnell. Italy decided to replace Luigi Villoresi with Olympic automatic qualifier reserve Piero Taruffi. Juan Manuel Fangio injured himself in a non-championship race just over a month away from the Olympics, forcing himself out of the competition leaving Gonzalez the only Argentinian competing. Monaco are yet to have a NOC so Chiron will compete as an independent.

So the Final line up for the Olympic games in Helsinki consists of:

Team Italy
1.Alberto Ascari: Ferrari
2.Giuseppe Farina: Ferrari
3.Pierro Tarufi: Ferrari. Time Trial+GP only.

Team France
1.Robert Mazon: Gordini
2.Maurice Trintignant: Gordini
3.Jean Behra: Gordini. TT+GP only

Team GBR
1.Reg Parnell: Cooper
2.Mike Hawthorn: Cooper
3.Peter Collins: HWM TT+GP only.

Team Switzerland
1.Rudi Fischer: Ecurie Espadon (Ferrari)
2.Toulo de Graffenried: Enrico Plate (Maserati) Team+GP only.

Team Belgium
1.Paul Frere: HWM (GBR)
2.Roger Laurent: HWM (GBR) Team+GP only.

Team Argentina
1.Jose Frolian Gonzalez: Maserati (ITA)

Team Thailand
1.Prince Bira: Gordini (FR)

Independents.
1.Louis Chiron: Louis Chiron (OSCA)

[Aerospeed]

Is Monaco even part of the IOC?

The whole qualifying process is very confusing indeed. I'm still trying to figure it out

[Shadaza]

Is Monaco even part of the IOC?

The whole qualifying process is very confusing indeed. I'm still trying to figure it out

Monaco are part of the IOC now, but I had to go check and they only joined in 1953. So Chiron will instead enter under the Independent Athelete Olympic flag.

As for Qualification. The F1 championship results give automatic entry to all 3 events. This then gets broken down by nation who can only enter 3 drivers overall and 2 for the team event. After that there is an opportunity for further qualification in the races that occur on the same year before the Olympics. In this case it falls to the Swiss, Belgium and French grandprix. Silverstone falls on the same day as the opening ceremony so it is too late to qualify for the games by the time that race comes around. The late qualification is at an event by event basis. With qualification times used for the Time Trial and race results for the Team event.

Thank you for showing an interest.

[dr-baker]

This seems an interesting concept, and seeing motor racing at the Olympics is something I would like to see in real life (and NOT just a demo like this). But would you not allow the host nation to have some entrants themselves? After all, in this Finnish example, I'm sure even in 1952, they must have had some decent rally drivers that could have participated?

[Sunshine_Baby_[IT]]

It seems a really good fictional championship.
Great idea.

[Shadaza]

This seems an interesting concept, and seeing motor racing at the Olympics is something I would like to see in real life (and NOT just a demo like this). But would you not allow the host nation to have some entrants themselves? After all, in this Finnish example, I'm sure even in 1952, they must have had some decent rally drivers that could have participated?

I agree with you, if Dressage can pass as an Olympic sport then why not Motor or Racing. I tried to look for Finnish open wheel drivers but could not find any topline talent, the drivers that took part in the Finnish Grand Prix were mainly Swedes.

Anyway, on to the first event, the Time Trial.

The seeding for the Time Trial is thus. Meaning the running order will be the seeding reversed, drivers get one lap and one lap only in a real test of nerve.
1.Ascari (ITA)
2.Gonzalez (ARG)
3.Farina (ITA)
4.Taruffi (ITA)
5.Parnell (GBR)
6.Bira (THAI)
7.Chiron (IOP)
8.Robert Manzon (FR)
9.Rudi Fischer (SUI)
10.Peter Collins (GBR)
11.Jean Behra(FR)
12.Mike Hawthorn(GBR)
13.Maurice Trintignant(FR)
14.Paul Frere (BEL)


Belgium Frere is the first man ever to begin competition at Olympic F1 level in the time trial as he leads the 14 men taking part in the time trial. The HWM driver gives the Eläintarhan ajot circuit his best putting in a 1:12:600 which is not too bad on such a short circuit though the chances of him getting a medal are very slim.

Next up is Frenchman Trintignant in the first of the Gordini's. Maurice is having a Jekyll and Hyde season sometimes performing well, sometimes not. In this case a big not as Trintignant tries to put far too much speed in at the Parkland circuit and he spins wildly on the grass, he recovers to cross the line but at nearly 2 minutes his time trial medal chance is over.

Next up is Brit Mike Hawthorn who seems to be a star of the future, running in his Cooper he drove a fairly quick lap and crosses the line in first place, for now. Pipping Frere with a 1:12:500.

Jean Behra is the 2nd Frenchman to take to the course driving for Gordini. Behra just guns it and smashes the lap record with a 1:09.5 That may take some beating, it was an amazing lap.

Peter Collins is up in the 2nd of the HWM cars, for the car he has he did a wondful job but a 1:11.8 is not going to challenge the front runners.

Rudi Fischer should have been the first Ferrari driver on track, but he only made it as far as the pits before his engine gave up, he has until tomorrow to fix it for the team event.

Robert Manzon is the final Gordini entry and looks to be joining Behra at the front, that was until the Frenchman lost all drive coming out of the final corner and had to roll the car across the line, what on Earth happened there, 1:13.1 is not what the team were expecting and Gordini's only medal hope lies with Behra.

Louis Chiron is next driving the new OSCA car, this is his first F1 run this year in a new car, so a 1:13.5 is not too disappointing. He should be stronger for the Grand Prix.

The only Asian entry in this years Olympic F1, Prince Bira of Thailand is keen to show what he can do in his Gordini, unfortunately Bira is no superstar and his lap was a poor 1:13:2 putting him just behind Manzon who had a car break down at the end!

Reg Parnell is up for Britain in the 2nd Cooper entry. Parnell did well at Silverstone a few days ago but seems to struggle with the circuit here and a 1:13.6 is not what he would have wanted.

Only four cars remain to challenge Jean Behra for the gold, the 3 Ferraris and Gonzalez in the sole factory Maserati. Whilst Collins and Hawthorn sit 2nd and 3rd for now, they both know they are unlikely to stay there.
Taruffi is the first Ferrari up and he drives a solid if not spectacular lap, he did beat the 1:10 barrier but a 1:09.9 does not beat Behra. Slightly Disappointing.

Next is 1950 world champion Nino Farina who is 2nd favourite for the gold. Farina flies around the course but makes an uncharacteristic minor mistake at the final corner and crosses the line at 1:09.6 just 0.1 behind Behra! Whatever happens the Frenchman has a medal!

Maseratis lone rider is next, Frolian Gonzalez, the Argentinian goes hell for leather and really thrashes the Maserati to cross the line in 1:09.4, to pip Behra by the smallest of margins and to take Provisional gold!

There is only one man that can stop him, but man what a season this man is having so far. I am of course referring to Alberto Ascari who calmly gets in the car to start his run. If there was any pressure facing the Italian he did not show it as Ascari blitzed the lap and set a stunning 1:08.3 to shatter all illusions it was a close contest. The king of Elaintarham ajot!

The first Olympic event is complete, the results are:

Gold: Alberto Ascari (IT) Ferrari (IT) 1:08.3
Silver: Frolian Gonzalez (ARG) Maserati (IT) 1:09.4
Bronze: Jean Behra (FR) Gordini (FR) 1:09.5

4th: Giuseppi Farina
5th:Pierro Taruffi
6th:Peter Collins
7th:Mike Hawthorn
8th:Paul Frere
9th:Robert Manzon
10th:Prince B Bira
11th:Louis Chiron
12th: Reg Parnell
13th:Maurice Trintignant
DNF:Rudi Fischer

[Shadaza]

Next comes the team event where teams should be divided in to heats of 3 or 4 teams. With the news that team Argentina have withdrawn from the competition, instead of short heats the event will be lengthened to a 30 lap sprint race featuring all 5 teams. The winning nation is the team with the best average driver result between the drivers, meaning the race winner may not be the Gold medal winner! The grid is lined up so no nation has an advantage, with the driver who starts first's team mate starting last. The points scheme is such that the winning driver scores 1 point, with 2nd scoring 2 and 3rd 3 continuing with that pattern. The team with the lowest points score, or the best average, wins.

The grid for the race saw the man who could not complete the time trial on pole, Rudi Fischer. Should the race finish in grid order, all teams would score 11 points, in the event of a tie the teams best drivers result will count (If the grid order were to remain unchanged Switzerland would take the gold ahead of Belgium and Great Britain.)

The Grid:
1.Rudi Fischer. (SUI) 2.Roger Laurent (BEL) 3.Mike Hawthorn (GBR)
4.Giuseppe Farina (ITA) 5. Maurice Trintignant (FR)
6.Robert Manzon (FR)7.Alberto Ascari (ITA)8.Reg Parnell(GBR)
9.Paul Frere (BEL) 10.Toulo de Graffenried (SUI)

Laps 1-5:
With the 10 drivers lined up on the grid this race gives a preview to the longer Grand Prix to come.
From pole Rudi Fischer got off the line well and had a fair lead after the first few laps, it will be a marathon task to keep that lead. From second on the grid wild card Roger Laurent did not have such a great start and saw himself drop behind Hawthorn and Farina. Ascari managed to get himself ahead of both the French Gordini cars and amazingly Paul Frere got a great start from the back row to pass Manzon. Parnell played it safe at the start and dropped a little whilst poor de Graffenried stalled at the line and had to be push started, costing him a lot of time.

Laps 6-10
Fischer continued to push his private Ferrari for all its worth and had actually managed to gap the duelling Hawthorn and Farina. So intense was their duel that after a failed overtaking move from Farina, Laurent and Ascari managed to slip past the 1950 champion. Ascari then passed Laurent a couple of corners later to move up to 3rd. Paul Frere rumbled the French as after passing Manzon on the opening few laps he managed to get past Trintigant to boot to put him in a superb 6th place.

Laps 11-15
Still Fischer showed no sign of slowing down as he continued to lap faster then Hawthorn, the Brit now under huge pressure from Ascari. The Italian got past in a smooth move putting the time trial winner up to 2nd place. After being humiliated by Laurent earlier Farina would not waste time behind him and made a ruthless dive on lap 11. This seemed to demoralise Laurent as his pace dropped significantly, so much so that by the half way stage of the race Laurent had dropped from 4th to 9th place, with only the hapless de Graffenried behind him. Paul Frere was still driving the wheels off his HWM-Alta as he was still keeping the Gordini cars at bay, Manzon is now leading the French charge as he passed Trintignant. Parnell is catching the 3 in 8th place as his confidence grows.

Half Way standings: Fischer, Ascari, Hawthorn, Farina, Frere, Manzon, Trintignant, Parnell, Laurent, Graffenried.

Laps 16-20
The hard pace shown by Fischer seems to have caught up with him as the car has started to overheat, Fischer is forced to lower his speed and it has hurt him as Ascari easily passes the Swiss driver for the lead, indeed Hawthorn and Farina also speed past. The distraction of a slowing Fischer proved the perfect opportunity as the Italian immediately pounces at the corner and overtakes Hawthorn for 2nd place. It took just over half the race for Italy to take 1-2 in the standings!
Manzon and Frere are setting identical times in their battle though Trintignant seems to have picked up a small problem as Parnell manages to overtake the Frenchman.

Laps 21-25
Heading to the closing stages of the race and Hawthorn is clearly upset at letting Farina pass him and he is trying to pass Farina at every possible opportunity but the Italian will not budge. A limping Fischer is overtaken by Frere putting the Belgium driver up to an incredible 4th with Manzon the best French car in 6th as things would stand Belgium would be in for a shock Bronze here behind Italy and Great Britain.

Laps 26-30
Ascari takes an easy win and it is hard to see him getting stopped in the coming grand prix too. Despite all of Hawthorns best efforts he could not pass Farina, not that he needed too with Parnell running in seventh. Paul Frere is coming round to take an unlikely fourth place and a 3rd overall for Belgium when seemingly out of nowhere Robert Manzon comes to spoil their day, the French man blasted past Fischer fairly easily and set fastest lap 3 laps in a row to blitz Frere at the line and secure another Bronze for France and to break Belgium hearts. Fischer managed to take 6th place after leading so comfortably at the beginning it was not to be. Parnell secured the Silver for team GB with seventh place with Trintignant a dissapointing 8th, what if they had chosen Behra instead? Laurent and Graffenreid were 9th and 10th a long way back from the rest of the field.

Total
1. Italy 1st and 2nd = 3 points
2. Great Britain 3rd and 7th =10 points
3. France 4th and 8th =12 points
4. Belgium 5th and 9th = 14 points
5. Switzerland 6th and 10th = 16 points

Gold-Italy: Alberto Ascari and Giuseppe Farina (Ferrari x2)
Silver-Great Britain: Mike Hawthorn and Reg Parnell (Cooper x2)
Bronze-France: Robert Manzon and Maurice Trintignant (Gordini x2)

Which means regardless of the next event Ferrari will win gold in the constructors and Italy will be the best performing nation. Still there is much to play for in the GP in deciding 2nd place.

1.Italy 2G
2=Argentina 1S
2=Great Britain 1S
4.France 2B

[Shadaza]

Next up is the Grand Prix, the final event of the games. The race is an 120 lap endurance event with the top 3 drivers getting medals. The Grid for the Grand Prix is decided by the results of the previous two events and includes all drivers that entered the previous two events.
Alberto Ascari is handed pole position for the event and baring reliability it looks as if it will be hard to catch him! Gonzalez and Farina complete the front row ahead of Behra and Hawthorn.


1. Alberto Ascari(IT) 2.Frolian Gonzalez(ARG) 3.Giuseppe Farina (IT)
4.Jean Behra(FR) 5.Mike Hawthorn (GBR)
6.Pierro Taruffi(IT) 7.Robert Manzon (FR) 8.Peter Collins (GBR)
9.Paul Frere (BEL) 10.Rudi Fischer (Sui)
11.Prince Bira (THAI) 12.Reg Parnell (GBR) 13.Maurice Trintignant(FR)
14.Louis Chiron (IOP) 15.Roger Laurent (BEL)
16. Tolou de Graffenried (SUI)

So the flag dropped for the final F1 event of the games, the big endureance event. The front 8 drivers held position off the start as Ascari leads. Fischer jumping Frere and Bira having a horrendous start the only points of note, the Thai driver dropping to 15th.

The GrandPrix distance is much more a test of endurance then a sprint event with finishing being an important challenge, the first retirement of the race was Roger Laurent, the Belgium driver was in 14th place at the time so unlikley to challenge for a medal. Up at the front, Giuseppe Farina overtook Gonzalez to take 2nd place, whislt Hawthorn found his way past Behra. Taruffi was sitting in 6th trying to play the long distance game. Chiron and Bira both retired at ¼ distance, neither driver looked close to scoring historic medals for their countries. Manzon was having a bad run at this stage, having dropped from 7th place to fighting with Collins over 10th place.

At 1/3rd distance Gonzalez began to up his pace, overtaking Farina and then remarkably pushing past Ascari for the lead of the race. Pierro Taruffi had just started to pick up speed when soon after passing Behra his Ferrari engine died and he was forced to pull out of the race, Taruffi therefore misses out on scoring an Olympic medal. Behra and Hawthorn were fighting hard to stay in touch with the leaders when suddenly both of them also dropped out of the race with Mechanical trouble. Parnell in the 2nd cooper also dropped out of the race at the stroke of the half way mark.

The Midfield race was ferocious with Frere and Fischer fighting so hard it allowed Manzon, Collins and Trintignant to catch up. The Gordinis seemingly to pick up the pace as this race has gone on:
The standings at half way, another drop out and these guys may be fighting for medals.
1.Gonzalez 2.Ascari 3.Farina 4.Manzon 5.Frere 6.Collins 7.Fischer 8.Trintignant 9.Graffenreid.

Ascari was trying desperately to get by Gonzalez but could not find away past the Argentine, it was a great performance for the new Maserati but with over 2/3rd of the race complete disaster stuck as the new car lunched it's gearbox forcing Gonzalez out of the race. The ever lucky Ascari regained the lead, but the Italians luck soon ran out and he too was dramatically out of the race with brake failure. This put Farina in to the lead, the 1950 champion had a massive lead over the chasing pack and so was left to cruise to victory.

20 laps to go and Manzon dropped out of 2nd place. This is bad news for Gordini as 2nd place would have secured not just silver for Manzon but silver for Gordini in the constructors, instead 2nd place was now inherited by the HWM-Alta of Peter Collins, the British driver wasn't even predicted to finish the race but looks set for an unexpected silver. Meanwhile the battle for Bronze was hot fought with Frere, Fischer and Trintignant fighting it out. Collins did come through to take 2nd place but heart break befalls Frere yet again as Frenchman Trintignant came through to take France and Gordini's third bronze medal in a row. Frere was 4th, Fischer was 5th and de Graffenreid was a long way back in 6th place. Nobody else finished.

Medals

1.Giuseppe Farina (ITA) Gold (FERRARI)
2.Peter Collins (GBR) Silver (HWM)
3.Maurice Trintignant (FR) Bronze (GORDINI)

4.Paul Frere
5.Rudi Fischer
6.Toulo de Graffenreid
DNF. Robert Manzon
DNF. Alberto Ascari
DNF. Jose Frolian Gonzalez
DNF. Reg Parnell
DNF. Mike Hawthorn
DNF. Jean Behra
DNF. Pierro Taruffi
DNF. Louis Chiron
DNF. Prince B Bira
DNF. Roger Laurent

Finally Medals are awarded to the countries of the best overall manufacturers, Ferrari and Italy easily take Gold by winning all 3 events. Deciding the Silver and Bronze is trickier as (with Ferrari winning all 3) it goes by the number of Silvers, HWM, Cooper and Maserati all scored 1 silver and no bronze. So the Silver and Bronze are to be rewarded by best result from the other events, with Paul Frere scoring 5th in the Team event, and Collins 6th in the time trial this puts HWM as the 2nd best team. Maserati take 3rd from Cooper with de Graffenreids 6th place in the Grandprix beating Hawthorns 7th in the time trial! Despite scoring 3 medals, Gordini do not win a manufacture medal as they only scored bronze medals.

Gold- Ferrari, Italy
Silver- HWM, Great Britain
Bronze- Maserati, Italy

Therefore the total Medal standings for the 1952 Olympic F1 are:

1.Italy: 4 Gold, 1 Bronze
2.Great Britain: 3 Silver
3.Argentina: 1 Silver
4.France: 3 Bronze

All time Driver Medals
=1. Alberto Ascari 2 Gold
=1. Giuseppe Farina 2 Gold
=3. Frolian Gonzalez 1 Silver
=3. Mike Hawthorn 1 Silver
=3. Reg Parnell 1 Silver
=3. Peter Collins 1 Silver
7. Maurice Trintignant 2 Bronze
=8.Jean Behra 1 Bronze
=8.Robert Manzon 1 Bronze

All time Constructor Medals
1.Ferrari 4 Golds
2.HWM 2 Silvers
3.Maserati 1 Silver 1 Bronze
4.Cooper 1 Silver
5.Gordini 3 Bronze


The 1956 Olympics are to be hosted in Melbourne Australia. The circuit to be used well,http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1956_Australian_Grand_Prix may be familiar to some.

[Aerospeed]

Did they use the same layout as they do today? Weird...

[TomWazzleshaw]

Did they use the same layout as they do today? Weird...

I doubt it'd be the same but chances are it was a very similar layout.

[the Masked Lapwing]

Did they use the same layout as they do today? Weird...

I doubt it'd be the same but chances are it was a very similar layout.

The layout was similar, it was just run anti-clockwise rather than clockwise like today.

[RonDenisDeletraz]

Did they use the same layout as they do today? Weird...

I doubt it'd be the same but chances are it was a very similar layout.

The layout was similar, it was just run anti-clockwise rather than clockwise like today.

The old Albert park layout.

[dinizintheoven]

Interesting concept, this. What are you going to do when we get to 1988, though? I can't think of any Korean racing circuit other than Yeongam, and that's only existed for two years...

[WaffleCat]

Interesting concept, this. What are you going to do when we get to 1988, though? I can't think of any Korean racing circuit other than Yeongam, and that's only existed for two years...

There is Everland Speedway.But,although the theme park that the speedway is linked to opened in 1976,I'm not so sure the racetrack was opened with it.

[FantometteBR]

I can't attempt to predict winners, but I can try to predict possible venues for the Olympics

1960- Seems Vallelunga the best prospect, despite I think Monza could work best
1964- Is Suzuka open yet? I see it's bit close of Tokyo
1968- Mexico City Circuit, nothing more nothing less
1972- Norisring (is from Baviera)
1976 - Mont-Tremblant or St. Jovite
1980- Have no clue about a Soviet track
1984- Laguna Seca, period
1988- No clue, part 2
1992- Circuit de Catalunya
1996- Road Atlanta
2000- Mount Panorama FTW
2004- Don't have a clue
2008 - Shanghai International (not Beijing, but...)
2012- Too many to think one

[tommykl]

Interesting concept, this. What are you going to do when we get to 1988, though? I can't think of any Korean racing circuit other than Yeongam, and that's only existed for two years...

There is Everland Speedway.But,although the theme park that the speedway is linked to opened in 1976,I'm not so sure the racetrack was opened with it.

Thanks to that site, I found out that I live not 15 minutes away from a test track built around a disused car factory. I think I know what I'll be doing in three weeks' time

[Shadaza]

Interesting concept, this. What are you going to do when we get to 1988, though? I can't think of any Korean racing circuit other than Yeongam, and that's only existed for two years...

Aye there will be the odd Olympic quirk which will impact how things go. Such as the USA boycott of the 1980 games, and the fact Jody Schekter won't compete in any games because of South Africa's Olympic ban. As for Korea, if I can't find a circuit it may well be relocated to Japan.

Time for a Preview of the 1956 Olympics, 13 drivers and 1 reserve managed to Qualify Automatically for all events, representing six nations.

Code: Select all

1.Juan Manuel Fangio (ARG) (1955 Champion)
2.Stirling Moss (GBR) (Runner up)
3.Eugenio Castellotti (ITA) (3rd)
4.Maurice Trintignant (FR) (4th)
5.Nino Farina (ITA) (5th)
6.Piero Taruffi (ITA) (6th)
7.Roberto Mieres (ARG) (7th)
8.Jean Behra (FR) (8th)
9.Karl Kling (GER) (10th)
10.Paul Frere (BEL) (11th)
11.Jose Frolain Gonzalez (ARG) (12th)
12.Mike Hawthorn (GBR) (3rd 1954)
13.Hans Herrmann (GER) (6th 1954)

Reserve:
Luigi Musso (ITA)

Australia will also be granted 2 Wild Card entries for the emerging Australian Motorsport scene. Jack Brabham will be one of them as the winner of the 1955 Australian Grand Prix. With the games being held in December to take part in southern hemisphere summer, the first in Games history, there is plenty of opportunity to qualify for the games during the 1956 season.

[Klon]

As for Korea, if I can't find a circuit it may well be relocated to Japan.

Ooooh, that could turn out ugly. Although there was a street race in Changwon held in 1999 - with a bit of luck those streets were already there 10 years ago.

[tommykl]

As for Korea, if I can't find a circuit it may well be relocated to Japan.

Ooooh, that could turn out ugly. Although there was a street race in Changwon held in 1999 - with a bit of luck those streets were already there 10 years ago.

It would indeed turn out ugly, but there is a precedent: in 1920, during the Antwerp games, a sailing event was held in the Netherlands, and in 1956, all of the equestrian events were held in Sweden.

[Aerospeed]

Are we allowed to use fictional tracks? If so, then we can use Seoul Central:



If all else fails make up a street circuit and call it a day.

[dr-baker]

I can't attempt to predict winners, but I can try to predict possible venues for the Olympics

2012- Too many to think one

Brands Hatch is closest to the east end of London and is being used as an Olympic venue for the Paralympic road cycling, but during the late July/early August Olympics, so that would be my choice...

[Salamander]

Are we allowed to use fictional tracks? If so, then we can use Seoul Central:



If all else fails make up a street circuit and call it a day.

God no, that's the absolute worst track I've ever seen. Whoever designed needs to be publically flogged for creating such an abysmal abomination which makes Abu friggin' Dhabi look good. The best overtaking opportunity is into the roundabout, which is almost completely negated by the fact that it's a roundabout and thus very unsuited to overtaking because it really only has one entry to the corner. Also the run-up to the penultimate corner is like some sort of alley, barely big enough for two cars side-by-side, also negating it as a passing place. Really, the only way to pass is to breeze past someone on one of the straights.

[Aerospeed]

Are we allowed to use fictional tracks? If so, then we can use Seoul Central:



If all else fails make up a street circuit and call it a day.

God no, that's the absolute worst track I've ever seen. Whoever designed needs to be publically flogged for creating such an abysmal abomination which makes Abu friggin' Dhabi look good. The best overtaking opportunity is into the roundabout, which is almost completely negated by the fact that it's a roundabout and thus very unsuited to overtaking because it really only has one entry to the corner. Also the run-up to the penultimate corner is like some sort of alley, barely big enough for two cars side-by-side, also negating it as a passing place. Really, the only way to pass is to breeze past someone on one of the straights.

Who said the track had to be good? That's the only one I could think of in Korea that isn't Yeongam

[dinizintheoven]

God no, that's the absolute worst track I've ever seen. Whoever designed needs to be publically flogged for creating such an abysmal abomination which makes Abu friggin' Dhabi look good. The best overtaking opportunity is into the roundabout, which is almost completely negated by the fact that it's a roundabout and thus very unsuited to overtaking because it really only has one entry to the corner. Also the run-up to the penultimate corner is like some sort of alley, barely big enough for two cars side-by-side, also negating it as a passing place. Really, the only way to pass is to breeze past someone on one of the straights.

Ye gods, let's hope you never go to Mallory Park...

[Shadaza]

With the entirety of the 1956 F1 season in which to further qualify, a number of drivers found their way on to the grid beyond the automatic qualifiers. Here is the full entry list:
Team Australia
1.Jack Brabham : Copper
2.Paul England : Copper

Jack Brabham was a shoe in for the first wildcard spot. Black Jack though not really a medal threat here, does seem to have a lot of potential. Paul England is somewhat of a surprise 2nd choice, though he does have F1 experience and is also running Cooper equipment and therefore should help Jack Brabham if the need arises.

Team Argentina
1.Juan Manuel Fangio: Ferrari
2.JoseFrolian Gonzalez: Maserati
3.Roberto Mieries: Maserati (Time Trial, Grand Prix)

4 times champion Juan Manuel Fangio comes through as the outstanding favourite for both Time Trial and Grand Prix titles, especially the latter! Question marks do remain over the Fangio/Gonzalez team partnership though as they do not get on! Roberto Mieries is very much an outsider for a medal but takes the automatic qualification.

Team GB
1.Stirling Moss: Maserati
2.Peter Collins: Ferrari
3.Mike Hawthorn: BRM (Time Trial, Grand Prix)

Great Britain have no shortage of drivers to represent them in the Olympics, with a successful 1956 giving almost a dozen drivers to chose from. Moss and Collins are the outstanding candidates though and in the team contest, the former marque rivals should go in as the team to beat. Hawthorn was chosen for the 3rd spot due to his previous Olympic experience and the explosive qualifying pace of the BRM.

Team Italy
1.Eugenio Castellotti: Ferrari
2.Luigi Musso: Ferrari
3.Cesare Perdisa: Maserati (Time Trial, Grand Prix)

This team Italy is nowhere near as strong as the team that dominated the last Olympics, whilst Ferrari vs Maserati should dominate the constructors medals it will take some performance to match the 1952 games! The team here is completely different to that of the '52 team, with Ascari sadly no longer being with us and Italy deciding to kick Farina and Taruffi out of the team based on form of Castellotti, Musso and Perdisa. With of course, the two Ferrari drivers defending the team honours.

Team France
1.Jean Behra: Maserati
2.Maurice Trintignant: Vanwall (Time Trial, Grand Prix)
3.Louis Rosier: Maserati (Team Event, Grand Prix)

France had the fortune (or misfortune) to win the bronze for all 3 events last Olympics. Unfortunately the mighty Gordini team is no longer what it once was, though the French drivers chosen are talent and Behra in a factory Maserati is a threat. The Vanwall is a mighty fast machine for Trintignant though the reliability is so poor they gave the team spot to Louis Rosier who gets his opportunity after being overlooked for Manzon in '52.

Team Belgium
1.Paul Frere: Ferrari
2.Olivier Gendebien: Ferrari (Team Event, Grand Prix)
3.Andre Pilette: Ferrari (Grand Prix)

Paul Frere was a star of the last Olympics and was the only Belgium driver who got automatic qualification for these games. Gendebien and Piette are hardly ground breaking drivers so it will be down to Frere once again to challenge for medals.

Team Germany
1.Karl Kling: Mercedes
2.Hans Hermann: Mercedes

Mercedes brief foray in to F1 brought 2 German drivers to the sport and it is with the remains of the team Karl Kling and Hans Hermann are driving the all dominant car of last year though Maserati and Ferrari have made big steps since, how fast this team can go remains to be seen.

Team Spain
1.Paco Godia: Maserati (Team, GP)
2.Alfonso de Portago: Ferrari (Team, GP)

Spain join a host of other nations in their "first" Olympic games. The drivers are a safe pair of hands if not the quickest and they won't disgrace themselves, though don't expect too much from them.

Team Brazil
1.Hernando da Silva Ramos: Gordini(Team, GP)
2.Chico Landi: Maserati (Team, GP)

This should be a learning year for the Brazil team, try as they might I can not see them getting out of the heats. They should just enjoy their first Olympic appearance. Ramos is the only driver representing the Gordini team whilst Landi joins the Maserati legion.

Team Uruguay
1.Oscar Gonzalez: Maserati(Team, GP)
2.ALberto Uria: Maserati (Team, GP)

Uruguay only made it here by the fringe of the rules after a shared drive 6th place finish at Argentina, where incidentally only 6 cars finished and they qualified last. In short , they won't be making much of an impact.

Team USA
1.Harry Schell: Vanwall (TT,GP)

Schell is the United States of America's first ever Olympic entrant and he is driving the fast but fragile Vanwall car. The poor reliability almost certainly rules out Grand Prix success but Schell could be a serious medal contender in the much shorter time trial.

Team Switzerland
1.Toulo de Graffenreid: Maserati (GP)

de Graffenreid is the only representative from the Swiss this season after they were badly hit by the effects of the Le Mans disaster. Toulo's last games were largely uneventful, though his last place finish in the Grand Prix was enough to secure Maserati a Bronze medal in the team standings, something the marquee seems to have taken note of as a massive 10/27 of the competitors are driving them!

Sadly there is to be no entrants from Thailand or Monaco this season, though they are replaced by first time entrants from Australia, Spain, Germany, Brazil, Uruguay and the United States. In terms of constructors we have lost HWM and OSCA but have gained, Vanwell and BRM.