'FOM already busy with backup plan: Several scenarios on the table'
Red Bull Content Pool
General
- GPblog.com
A second version of the 2021 Formula One calendar has already been released, but the chances are small that this will be the final version. Liberty Media and the FOM are reportedly already working on several scenarios in the background. They are looking at various circuits that the pinnacle of motorsport is not currently using.
Formula 1 looks at other circuits
Portugal is still in pole position to fill the only vacant spot (the third Grand Prix of the year on May 2), according to AutosportWeb. The Portimao circuit wants the Grand Prix weekend to go ahead anyway, with or without spectators. However, the local authorities also have to be taken into account and so the continuation of the races is not one hundred percent certain.
The Japanese media says: "Some of the first races in Europe may be postponed or cancelled, but after that there is a shortage of available places to catch up and since there are only few free weekends available on the 23-race calendar, FOM is starting to look at other circuits in Europe. The aim is to draw up a plan in case alternative venues are needed for some circuits on the calendar, including Monaco."
About five alternatives
There would be several options, of which Jerez is one. In the south of Spain, the coronavirus is reasonably under control and the local authorities are keen to show off their region, even if spectators are not allowed at the track. In addition to Jerez, Mugello and the Nürburgring are also sympathetic to hosting a Grand Prix, as both circuits did in 2020.
Istanbul Park is also on the shadow list. According to the latest news, the Turkish track is prepared to transfer a considerable sum of money to the FOM to grant itself the privilege of hosting a Grand Prix. Hockenheim also makes its asphalt available to Formula 1, but they cannot pay a fee.
Back-to-back races on one track again?
If the above venues are unable to host the highest class of motorsport, the FOM has another option according to AutosportWeb. In Bahrain two Grands Prix can again be organised in a row. If the French Grand Prix, scheduled in the week before the Austrian Grand Prix at Paul Ricard, is cancelled like last year Red Bull will be prepared to organise two consecutive races. Liberty Media in any case wants to do everything possible to have 23 races this year.