Quote:
Originally Posted by chernaudi
Well if you can't go for full Grade 1, why not go Grade 2? LMP1s can race on Grade 2 tracks, and LM is Grade 2. If all Imola had to do was pay the FIA a fee for the upgrade, why didn't they do it in 2008 if they technically met Grade 1 specs in the first place?
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Because they weren't planning on hosting an F1 race, but were available for test days. The possibility of having a team rent your circuit for a few days could easily pay for the 1T fee. Now they are being vocal about the possibility of F1 returning to Imola, so they looked to move to a full Grade 1.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chernaudi
Some of this track grading stuff is IMO arbitrary and ridiculous. If you can't or don't want F1 to race at your facility, why upgrade it? Mind you, I do admit from watching NASCAR races that paving over the T1 and inner loop gravel pits was a good move. 99% of the time someone went off there, it was an automatic FCY.
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This view makes the assumption that builds built int he 1970s are not only in great condition, but are still relevant to modern race cars. Why upgrade your circuit? For the same reason we upgrade everything else. Because old things aren't as nice, may not provide all the facilities required for a modern racing event, and may not be in a state that can be maintained. Some older buildings are cheaper and more economical to tear down and build new ones. And then you get into potentially improved spectator areas on those buildings, better press rooms, and more economical buildings - easier to maintain, or better energy usage, meaning lower maintenance and utility bills over the next few decades. And if you're doing all these upgrades to bring your facility to the modern world, you might find that going up a circuit grading might be easier than you think.
Basically, there's good reasons for the circuit grades. WG is 1T, but actually fairly far away from a Grade 1. And upgrading circuits can be done a lot of business reasons, beyond what events you plan on holding. Facility maintenance is important and expensive, in any industry.