Although there has not been any official word as yet, the F1 dates being proposed to the FIA World Council has been leaked to the media in Singapore. The dates are much the same as this year, with Valencia disappearing and being replaced by New Jersey. There are no other changes but one or two gaps that make for interesting speculation. The most interesting gap is between Silverstone and Germany, with three weeks without a race. A gambler might suggest that this is the perfect place to slip in a 21st race, probably France, which would be nice and easy for the teams. The August break remains intant, with no race between Hungary on July 28 and Belgium on September 1. There is still no partner race for Singapore, which is odd, but this is probably because Singapore has a non-compete clause in its contract, keeping other races in the region at a distance. In 2009 the Japanese GP followed immediately after Singapore but there has not been a race in the week before. However, Singapore still does not have a contract for 2013, although there is no real chance of it being dropped from the calendar. Also subject to confirmation are New Jersey, Germany and Korea, all of which are require some more contract negotiations and/or payments.
The dates may change after the World Council, but most of them are expected to remain the same.
The proposed dates are: March 17, Australia; March 24, Malaysia; April 14, China; April 21 Bahrain; May 12, Spain; May 26, Monaco; June 9, Canada; June 16, New Jersey; June 30, Britain; July 21, Germany (Nürburgring); July 28, Hungary; September 1, Belgium; September 8, Italy; September 22, Singapore; October 6, Japan; October 13, Korea; October 27, India; November 3, Abu Dhabi; November 17, United States (Austin); November 24, Brazil.
I think I mis-understand your phrase – there are only 2 weekends off between Silverstone and Germany — there are also 2 weekends off between Malaysia / China and Bahrain / Spain. But there are also more back-to-back races in the first half of the season, compared to usual.
And there might be the in-season testing after Silverstone.
I think they are wise to make – as with this year – back-to-back races to the end of the season so it doesn’t drip drip horribly like 2011.
There is a significant difference. The gap between Bahrain and Spain is to allow all the equipment to return to Europe. The Silverstone-Germany gap is just plain odd.
2 possible reasons why Silverstone is a week early:
1. So that it doesn’t clash with the Wimbledon final.
2. To avoid a 4 week gap from Montreal if Jersey doesn’t go ahead.
Just a thought…
Whew! June 9, Canada. (the email has Monaco, which I didn’t pick up was a second time as I scrambled to find Canada, while figuring you would have mentioned something in the text if it had been dropped)
“Also subject to confirmation are New Jersey, Germany and Korea, all of which are require some more contract negotiations and/or payments.”
You aren’t developing a form of Chinglish, are you?
All your base are belong to us.
Not really wanting to raise the topic that polarised F1 more than anything else this year, but have you heard anything about sponsors threatening to withdraw logos from cars if teams go Bahrain in 2013?
Montreal and New York/New Jersey just a week apart. I wonder if this will affect the attendance of either event as the venues are relatively close together (a 7 hour drive), although Montreal is always sold-out.
I think it could go either way. Maybe for locals it might affect it, but for me and maybe other internationals, I’d be actually more tempted to make a trip to North America and try and see two races in one trip, not to mention visiting NYC and other sightseeing.
I know that I intend to attend both. Our daughter lives right across the river in NYC. If more people think this way, I see it as a plus for both events.
Something I hadn’t thought of. I can only afford to go to one. There was an op-ed piece here (Montreal) that this would be the end of our race as New York is a bigger and more attractive market.
I think the other reason Singapore doesn’t have a back-to-back is due to SG being run on Europe time, so a lot of the paddock has jetlag. At least that’s what I recall from 2009.
Valencia off the calendar – hooray!
I’d just like to say that despite the hoo-ha about Singapore I don’t like it as it night race. They’ve done their best in terms of lighting but I think it’s too contrasty for TV – if it was a day time race you’d see more of the city. It’s probably better as a spectator.
2013 NASCAR schedule hasn’t been announced but it looks like Austin may compete for media attention with the last race of the NASCAR playoffs. New Jersey could be same weekend as the first race in the Poconos, just a two hour drive away. There probably isn’t much overlap between the two audiences but I thought I’d mention it. But mid June in the swamplands of New Jersey and Mid November for Texas are good dates. But F1 is going to have to work at making it here. But I am looking forward to paying huge amounts of $$$ to watch unidentifiable cars whizby me at 200mph over a 40 foot viewing section.
I wish for tracks still unconfirmed to tell Bernie and CVC go shove it where sun don’t shine.
Joe, how do you feel about Jersey rather than Valencia? I know where I’d rather be…..
Has Japan signed a new contract now then?
With all the squeezing in of races on the calendar how does Hungary manage to keep it’s place each year? It’s a crap circuit and only produces interesting racing when it rains or there is a huge accident (or both). Does Bernie own the circuit?
Didn’t know Suzuka had a contract for the 2013 season. A nice surprise anyway.