Barcelona extends F1 deal until 2016

[Priorat]

I would imagine that this move is to cash in on the "Alonso factor", and that both Barcelona and Valencia have get-out clauses in their contracts - firmly on Bernie's side of course.

Bernie is already preparing for the Hamilton factor as it is plenty of cheap flys and accomodation for British supporters to come.

Once Alonso stops to win, his supporters will stop filling the Circuit.

[Ranger]

Once Alonso stops to win, his supporters will stop filling the Circuit.

Tell me... how soon do you think that will be??

[Priorat]

Tell me... how soon do you think that will be??

Hope today

[wedge]

Great, another 8 more races to go...

Astonishing isn't it. Although, in fairness, the butchered Hockenheim no longer drew the crowds at least partly due to the fact that it is no longer a unique racing circuit.

Despite many people's prejudiced views on Tilke, Hockeheim has still been a popular circuit. The both DTM races have always been a sell out. The racing has been consistantly good regardless if its F1 or F3.

There's only so much much money the promoters and the paying public are willing to pay Bernie just to have 2 races in Germany.

No doubt, if Bernie is still around in ten years' time and continues with his same old ways, Spain will have the same problems as Germany has.

[fandango]

Damn, I was really hoping they'd bump Barcelona off too. Oh well maybe these new track modifications will actually make the racing more exciting for the next 9 years.

I see your point. I live 20 minutes drive from the circuit and I gave up going a few years ago due to rising ticket prices and processional races. I thought I'd show them, but then Alonso appeared ...

[AndyRAC]

Can't they re-do the circuit, I didn't think the changes were worth the effort.

[call_me_andrew]

So Italy, Germany, Japan can't have 2 but Spain can!

France can't have one.

[Ranger]

France can't have one.

But in France's case, F1's administrative head honcho's had nothing to do with the lack of a French race in 2008.

[ShiftingGears]

Since Magny Cours is forgettable and Paul Ricard has no spectator seating, I think the French Grand Prix should go back to Reims, Rouen-le-Essarts or Clermont Ferrand :