In our regular life, we would hit the spa after a few really hectic weeks to unwind, but in the world of Formula1 one hits Spa after a few weeks of a forced break to get back into the zone! Kinda perfect, isn’t it?
Four weeks after the 2013 Hungarian Grand Prix, the on-track action resumes at one of Formula1’s most iconic, challenging, revered and historic racing circuits. For me, the month of August is most awaited because we have Spa followed by yet another epic venue, Monza. Anyway, more on the 2013 Italian Grand Prix in the next episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast!
In this week’s episode, here’s what we discussed: (YouTube channel: http://youtu.be/XMSLs-Skdb0)
- The Spa Francorchamps! We talk about the circuit, its corners and of course some great racing memories of the past. Come share what’s your favourite memory with us!
- We recorded ‘Formula1 Drivers To Play Musical Chairs’ a few weeks back and the music is just getting more intense. However, Raikkonen seems like the ONE driver who has many seats to choose from once the music stops. Where will he actually be?
- On a similar note, ‘Kimi Raikkonen To Red Bull Racing In 2014’ has been well discussed, but then again, what if and should he actually go to Ferrari in the 2014 Formula1 Season?
- Also, here’s more on Alonso – Ferrari: ‘Alonso Has No Option But To Race With Ferrari Till 2016’.
- And lastly, after ‘Ecclestone Checkmated The Indian Grand Prix’, comments from the organisers don’t evoke a positive feeling about the Indian Grand Prix returning in the short term.
Most predict a Red Bull Racing vs. Mercedes fight (or more like Adrian Newey vs. Ross Brawn)in Spa, if you think otherwise, share yours with us! I would also say that watch out for the Mclaren vs. Sahara Force India fight as well. Over to Spa!
And of course, the last episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast ‘Let Us Save Formula1’ generated a good response. A BIG thank you to all our listeners!
The Inside Line F1 Podcast is now available on various platforms and I would urge you to choose your platform to listen to the humour that we add to the otherwise serious and complex sport of Formula1.
If you are an Apple user, you can subscribe to the Inside Line F1 Podcast on the iTunes Podcast Store or via our RSS feed (for Android / Windows / Blackberry users).
The Inside Line Formula1 Podcast is produced by Rishi Kapoor and Kunal Shah. Follow us on Twitter and on our Soundcloud, MixCloud and YouTube channels.
4 comments On Time To Hit The Spa
Guys, how confidently can you say that Indian race won’t return in 2015. Are you an expert or sit in Mr E’s office ?? Don’t project yourself as expert of Formula 1 when you’re not and add only speculations.
Dear F1lover,
Thank you for your comment.
We aren’t experts on Formula1 so to say, we are experts in F1 humour, if I may say so. We too are upset about the developments surrounding the Indian GP and hope that it stays for years to come. But if you study the conditions that prevail and if there’s a bit of understanding of the sports business (which I will claim I do), you will see that for the Indian GP to come back in 2015 is a mammoth task!
Regards,
Kunal Shah
Thanks Kunal for your reply. But didn’t the organizers have a five year contract with F1?? I read somewhere…Also, I think, the organizers are doing a great job by risking so much of money by building the circuit, paying fees, organizing the event etc..I think we F1 lovers need to come forward and support them..I’m going for the Indian GP again this year and those who believe the India doesn’t need a F1 race don’t know what kind of impact a sport like F1 can have on the country..I hope they go to singapore and malaysia to see what F1 has done to their country. Thanks
Dear F1lover,
The organisers do have a contract, but a contract is a piece of paper after all with several exit clauses possible. There’s no doubt that the Jaypee Group have done a great job in building the circuit, paying a hefty fee and promoting the race, but ultimately it is about business and it doesn’t seem like making business sense for reasons I have mentioned here: http://bit.ly/13sycDL
And yes, you’ve rightly pointed out that the F1 fans in India need to come out and support the race. Spend money on the sport. Without that, the business would just not function. Also, if watching it on TV is what pleases us, then it would make little difference if the race was held in Noida or Nurburgring!
As for the impact, yes, there’s measurable impact of the race for the country. But in a country like India, there are far more issues that dog the government than hosting a Formula1 race. I am sure you too agree that we have better things to ‘sort’ out for ourselves. And while the Govt. is reaping tourism benefits, they are not keen to come forward and partner with JPSI for hosting the race.
Cheers!