Highlights

Abu Dhabi puts squeeze on packed F1 calendar

(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-02-09 10:49

Formula One has always followed the money so it came as no surprise when Bernie Ecclestone announced the Middle East would have two races from 2009.

The addition of an Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, whose seven year deal was confirmed at the weekend, makes commercial sense even if it will hardly raise the spirits of European circuit owners.

It adds to the glamour of the sport, with the largest of the United Arab Emirates offering a Gulf version of Monaco with cars racing through the streets and along the seafront of another billionaires' playground.

The time zone, with Abu Dhabi four hours ahead of GMT, is also good for broadcasters and sponsors looking for increased audiences in Europe and Asia.

When Bahrain kicked off last season, instead of Australia, television viewing figures in the key European markets were up to three times the norm.

The loser in any realignment is bound to be Europe. Two races, Hockenheim and Imola, have gone this year and more will surely follow unless the calendar is expanded.

Even if there is some protection for the classic venues, sentiment is in short supply.

"Apart from Monaco, is there any grand prix that you couldn't lose? I don't think so," Spyker technical chief Mike Gascoyne told reporters at Silverstone this week.

PERFECT VENUE

Renault team boss Flavio Briatore agreed.

"International expansion is something Formula One should welcome, if we are going to have a true world championship," he said at the weekend.

"There is no sense having 80 percent of the calendar in Europe, in my opinion. Abu Dhabi will be the perfect venue for Formula One."