Silverstone or London?

[OllieLong]

After seeing the demonstration last night I like the idea of a Monaco style grand prix in the capital. Anyone else have a view on this?

[MbrunoB]

It takes a total idiot to think this would be a good idea,monaco has developed over the years and has the infostructure in place to do this year after year.

To do it in London all the kurbs and street furniture would have to be removed,this means,lampposts,ralings,traffic islands,roundabouts,trafficlights,signposts,and anyother solid objects.The roads would have to be re-surfaced and then there would have to be found land to build grandstands and pit areas,land that is in short supply in the capital and run-off areas around the track.This would all cost millions which should be spent on the city in general to improve it for everybody.

The business community reckon a days train strike cost them millions but a grand prix would see the city shut fron wednesday until tuesday at least.

A demostration down ONE road that caused no end of problems is proof that proper tracks and not modern city centres are where car races should be.

[mikef]

Plus it has become blatantly obvious that Formula 1 has totally outgrown Monaco. Personally I think that trying to run a GP in London could be a disaster.

 

Mike F

<img src="/images/graemlins/chat.gif" alt="" />

[Mr Happy]

I agree, but guess what? That pratt Livingston wants one by 2007. All he ever thinks about is spending tax payers money for his own glory and votes.

[Barry Scott]

you'd have to close the area around the circuit for about three days before the start of friday's practice. You really think the Mayor will agree to shutting down the capital for that long? It's a nice idea, but it just won't work

[Mr Happy]

Yes, the Mayor would. He has little regard for business and would ensure that he is the driving force behind a GP and would gain all the cudos.

[Colin, Germany]

Is there a map showing the proposed ciruit anywhere?

 

Is this another scheme for reducing the traffic congestion in central London (by closing everything off to traffic for a week)?

[Mark (Flag) Braintree]

Michael Schumacher etc, will they receive a Congestion Charge £ 5.00 request as they go by. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Colin, Germany]

I have heard the mayor is in favour of a good bus service in London. So there will have to be bus lanes, and buses will have to have right of way over other vehicles.

[OllieLong]

But won't that congest roads up even more?

[Barry Scott]

to be honest, it's probably just a powerplay by Big Bernie to force the owners of Silverstone to get the track up to scratch

[Colin, Germany]

Quote:

OllieLong said:
But won't that congest roads up even more?

The roads used as a racetrack seem fairly uncongested.

[Mark (Flag) Braintree]

Quote:

Colin, Germany said:
I have heard the mayor is in favour of a good bus service in London. So there will have to be bus lanes, and buses will have to have right of way over other vehicles.

Another excuse ready made for Coulthard, being blocked by busses. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Guest]

After the way the cars bounced down Regents Street some major resurfacing would be needed where ever it was to take place in London.

I seem to recall when the American Champ Car Series returned to Mexico(I think) a couple of years ago they waited till the rush hour was over then 3 or 4 Champ cars escorted by police motor cyclists went for a drive round the capital. None of this closing roads nonsense, just straight out on to the main roads and give it some welly. Bit more interesting than Tuesdays efforts that I saw live on Sky News. But then again it was free.....

[CANV EFM]

there is nowhere in central london to host a g.p.. can u imagine them screaming down lower thames street then hoiking a left for a scoot round the monument, over past bank and then down fenchurch st, round aldgate up to bishopsgate... hang on i might be on to something here

[Colin, Germany]

To make the race as spectacular as possible, and to attract people who do not normally watch car racing, the route would need to go past the most popular tourist attractions, and those are Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge. It would also help if the circuit included Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus.

[CANV EFM]

well lower thames street up to the higgway takes in the tower of london and london bridge..then left to aldgate up to bishopsgate , back thru the city, pick up holburn n head out west , round traf sq in into the mall where all the pits can be set up on the park

[OllieLong]

CANV EFM you really are on to one there...

[The Invisible Man]

It would be more exciting if they DIDN'T close the roads. Make these F1 prima donnas earn their money, jostling for progress in the rush hour traffic, getting caught at the lights, cut up by taxis, held up by the council digging holes in the road! Much more fun.

 

To liven things up I have long argued for a figure of eight track. Or a rule that says every time you come out of the pits you have to go round the other way. But this street racing could be a winner.

[Mark (Flag) Braintree]

Did you see them driving the Formula one cars round London in the build up prog to the Silverstone race?

 

They had them so close to the public they had to go very slow. You could of overtaken them on foot, wasn't it about 1/2 a million people lined the circuit and watched this?

 

Good P.R stunt