F1 Calendar 2004

[Amanda]

The F1 calendar has been confirmed:

2004 Formula 1 World Championship calendar
Australia (Melbourne) March 7
Malaysia (Sepang) March 21
Bahrain (Bahrain)*** April 4
Europe (N¸rburgring) April 25
Spain (Barcelona) May 9
Monaco (Monte Carlo) May 23
San Marino (Imola) June 6
USA (Indianapolis) June 20
Great Britain (Silverstone) July 4
France (Magny-Cours)* July 11
Germany (Hockenheim) July 25
Hungary (Budapest) August 15
Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)** August 29
Italy (Monza) September 12
China (Shanghai)*** September 26
Japan (Suzuka) October 10
Brazil (Interlagos) October 24

* Provisional (subject to contract)
** Provisional (subject to tobacco law)
*** Subject to circuit approval

I wouldn't normally take much notice but this year it is of more interest to me because of the non championship BTCC race!

[Sarah]

It has moved to a week earlier as well. Was originally down as 11th July.

[VkmSpouge]

What I find interesting is that they moved Brazil all the way to the end to the season after Japan and they moved the USA GP in to Canada's position. It's great to see Spa-Francorchamps:) back on the calender, though a pity to lose Montreal :(. It will be interesting to see how Bahrain and China work out. Does Bahrain have much of an F1 fan base, does anyone know?:confused: A March 7th start, hey? *Marks date in diary* Another very early morning for me.:D

[The Stig]

Bahrain and Shanghai, with or without a fan base have invested a vast sum to stage the thing and are no doubt contracted for a few years. Shanghai and Bahrain are potentially valuable markets for the sponsors, hence their inclusion.

Pity about Montreal, delighted Spa is back.
Shame Hungaroring and Nurburgring are included

[Paul Rayner]

Originally posted by VkmSpouge
What I find interesting is that they moved Brazil all the way to the end to the season after Japan and they moved the USA GP in to Canada's position.
The Brazil thing could well be something to do with timing. There's a very good chance that this year's title will go down to the wire, and for the European audience that'll be shown in the middle of the night, in front of one of the smallest audiences of the year.

A Brazilian season-ender would put the last race on at prime time...

[VkmSpouge]

Ah yes of course!:) A prime time showing of the championship finale would be a very good idea and Brazil usually provides some excitement.

[cos]

Originally posted by The Stig
Shame Hungaroring and Nurburgring are included

But the Nurburgring is in late April this year, which could make for some... interesting... weather conditions. A F3000 race at that time of year a few seasons back was cancelled because of snow...!

[VkmSpouge]

F1 and snow, that would be something to see:D. Has that happened before?

[Paul Rayner]

I don't think so, but we've had F1 races at the Nurburgring in April before with no problems. There is a chance of snow, yes, but it's more likely that it'll just be very cold, and rain.