Grand Prix Rejects

Autosport wrote:South African Grand Prix in question

Following the boycott threats from several teams, and the statements of many others that they were considering to join, FISA has announced a meeting with the teams to discuss the future of the Grand Prix.

"We realise that many teams are opposed to going to South Africa, and we can no longer ignore this", a FISA spokesperson was quoted. "But many teams fear disadvantages, also financial ones, by not turning up in Kyalami. That is a difficult situation, and we have come to the conclusion that a meeting between the heads of the teams is a more appropriate way to handle the problem."

pi314159 wrote:

Autosport wrote:South African Grand Prix in question

Following the boycott threats from several teams, and the statements of many others that they were considering to join, FISA has announced a meeting with the teams to discuss the future of the Grand Prix.

"We realise that many teams are opposed to going to South Africa, and we can no longer ignore this", a FISA spokesperson was quoted. "But many teams fear disadvantages, also financial ones, by not turning up in Kyalami. That is a difficult situation, and we have come to the conclusion that a meeting between the heads of the teams is a more appropriate way to handle the problem."

The meeting will take place today, 10 PM CET, in the chat.

Motor Racing Times wrote:Penske still in favour of the South African GP despite reports of cancellation

Even though nothing official has been confirmed so far, FISA has decided to cancel the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami and stage a replacement round somewhere else. Reports also say that this wasn't an unanimous decision. One of the leading figures in favour of a race at Kyalami is Roger Penske. "I think we could help to change things down there, if we actually reach out to the country." he says. He also feels that FISA had a responsibility towards South African race fans that had already ordered tickets for this race. "In the end, a boycott would only hurt the fans in this country and not the government. In fact, the South African government can now claim a victim role in this matter."

However, Penske, along with other teams, is reported to plan a boycott of the replacement race. Instead, they plan to race in South Africa after all, in what might be a non-championship race. But there are rumours about a potential prize of 1.000.000 USD for the winner of this race. But so far, nothing has been confirmed by either side.

FISA wrote:Following a meeting with most of the 22 team bosses, we have made a decision.

As a majority of the teams were in favour of replacing the South African GP with a different venue, so we have decided to replace it with the Australian GP.

Currently, we're looking for suitable tracks to hold the race. Mount Panorama circuit at Bathurst and Surfers Paradise are considered , as well as Phillip Island.

UgncreativeUsergname wrote:Two miles long? Yeah, we're staying with Phillip Island.

Wizzie wrote:

UgncreativeUsergname wrote:Two miles long? Yeah, we're staying with Phillip Island.

Phillip Island has been closed for two years, and has reached such a decrepit state that it would take several years to rebuild and resurface the venue to get anywhere near F1 standard. And the equipment needed for the job has no way of getting there because the bridge connecting Phillip Island to the mainland doesn't have the capacity to carry heavy equipment.

*OoC: Shout-out to history

Samster wrote:Boro would like to suggest Sandown as the host of the Australian Grand Prix.

CaptainGetz12 wrote:

Samster wrote:Boro would like to suggest Sandown as the host of the Australian Grand Prix.

If the first 3 choices for a F1 venue at Australia fall through, we will support a race at either Sandown, Hidden Valley or Oran Park.

Ol' 'Two Wheels' McClenaghan wrote:Oi tell ya this, we had none o' this rubbish when Oi was racing. It was about nothin' but the droiver and the car workin' in perfect harmony, with none o' that political nonsense. The only distraction Oi ever faced on a race weekend was decidin' which girl to take home afterwards...sometimes, Oi couldn't, so Oi took 'em both wimme!

Autosport wrote:Autralian GP not safe yet - Mugello would be ready

After the controversy surrounding the South African GP, resulting in the cancellation of the event, the 1980 Formula 1 calendar still remains to be confirmed. The initial plans were to replace the South African round with an Australian GP.

But this could prove more difficult than expected, as Formula 1 has problems to find a suitable track. While Mount Panorama Circuit at Bathurst is deemed to be too unsafe for Formula 1, and Phillip Island won't be able to complete the needed modernisations before the end of 1980, Formula 1 is running out of options.

That could allow Mugello into the 1980 Formula 1 season. The circuit, opened in 1974, would be able to hold the race, and many teams have expressed their support for Mugello.

pycku wrote:Also I would suggest more time for discussion (2-3 days) in the thread as yesterday I was out with friends and it was not possible for me to participate. I do not believe the chatroom is the ideal place for discussions as I am not quite sure there would be quorum to make decisions whatsoever.