Why in the hell is Formula 1 trying to have a race in Qatar?

Question

They already have two boring middle eastern tracks. Why add another bore fest. Is Bernie that desperate for some coin?

I have a list of beter tracks that should have a race instead of Qatar

Zandvoort
Zolder
Watkins Glen
Imola
Estoril
Jerez
Okayama
Adelaide
Argentina

just to name a few

Answer 1

It's more likely the case that Qatar is trying to get a Formula 1 GP rather than Formula 1 wanting to go there especially. Unlike Bahrain and the UAE, Qatar would be highly foolish to entertain the idea of allowing the world's journalists into its country as it may seriously backfire on them once some of those same journalists starting asking a few questions about who is funding and supplying arms to ISIS.

Answer 2

While I agree in principle with the return to historic tracks, there are a few problems with the list you give:



Zandvoort - has been ruined in the name of progress, no longer the track it was

Zolder - was a boring track back in the day, but would now be far too exciting for the modern safety gang

Watkins Glen - wouldn't have a prayer of staying as it is given modern safety and corporate desires

Imola - take away the chicanes and we can talk about it

Estoril - one of the most boring tracks in F1 history

Jerez - no-overtaking-zone

Okayama - cr@p track in the middle of nowhere...I thought we were trying to get rid of them?

Adelaide - superb track which should never have been ditched, would go back in an instant

Argentina - if it's on the 1980s layout, then yes...if it's on the 1990s go-kart track, then no...

Answer 3

There already a moto gp race in qatar so it wouldn't be suprising if it happened. It's all about the money even if last year's Bahrain GP was one of the best. Many of the new countries don't have any drivers to back their case so it's time to improve the facilities at the old tracks and bring then back.

Answer 4

There's only one thing that influences the choice of new venues. Money. Bernie will go wherever the cash is, and doesn't care at all about the sport, the venues, good racing or what the fans want. He's only interested in cash; and Qatar have a lot of it.

Answer 5

We're now in the ridiculous situation of there being no race in Germany but soon to be one in Qatar and Azerbaijan.



This is ridiculous. Once Bernie saved F1. Now he is trying to destroy it.

Answer 6

BECAUSE THEY'RE STUPID. I don't know why you'd rather have a race in the crappy tracks at Yas Marina and Qatar while you decide that you don't want to have a race in France or at Imola. Why?!?!?!?!

Answer 7

Watkins Glen - wouldn't have a prayer of staying as it is given modern safety and corporate desires

Imola - take away the chicanes and we can talk about it

Estoril - one of the most boring tracks in F1 history

Jerez - no-overtaking-zone .

Answer 8

Anything involving Bernie and F1 is always about the money and who can pay the most.

Answer 9

I think I can give you the answer in one word - MONEY!



This region is a wealthy one - end of.

Answer 10

bring back European GP at newly-revised Imola

Answer 11

All because of money