Donington Long or short?

[Croft fan]

This is a response to a post on the Alan Gow 'Donington short circuit by newshound.


QUOTE]The decision to run the Donington meeting on the short circuit was a good one. At times it has seemed that the Melbourne loop has just lengthened the lap.[/QUOTE]

I have been to alot of races at Donington and find that both tracks are good for overtaking. I like going when they use either, but dont stop using the long Melbourne loop just because its abit longer, there is always alot of action in that section of the track. It is also a good spectator spot. Its just one more overtaking oportunity place. So I have to dissagree with you newshould, the Melbourne loop is not just an extention to the track.
Whatever Alan decides for the long or the short track, will be a good, just wanted to know what other people thought about using the long or the short track?

[VkmSpouge]

I like the Melbourne loop, it provides another good place to make an overtaking move and for more action. That said, I really don't mind either the long or the short as they both provide good racing.

[Peter]

I much prefer the short circuit.

My favourite vantage point at Donington is MacLeans, as it is an excellent overtaking spot, AND it allows you to see a great deal of the entire circuit. The GP loop takes the cars out of sight. The longer circuit obviously means less fewer laps, which is much less value for money.

I don't feel the racing was a great deal better on the GP loop. Remember the greatest ever touring car race in 1998 was held on the short circuit. Drivers also prefer the shorter one, as the Melbourne hairpin really interrupts the natural flow and rhythm.

Maybe in a few years a return to the GP would be a refreshing change, but not for now.

[MG-ZS EX260]

i love the long track, really dont like the short track, great photo opportunities on the full loop.

[codename_47]

From a purely selfish point of view.....

I was sitting at the old hairpin last year, as this....

This year not only did the cars come around to me quicker than last year, but the racing through the craners was much better, since without the melbourne loop, the cars can carry less downforce, and therefore not be affected through the high speed craners!

This didn't just apply to the BTCC, but all the series (the open wheelers were a bit of a bust around there though.....no one could follow closely!....and a clio's seemed to find a crash barrier every lap of their races!!)

So, short track please....faster=better IMO! ;)

[Paul Rayner]

If the BTCC was to go to Donington twice a year, then I'd like to see them use both circuits. With just one visit though, I think the short circuit is better. Until we get giant screens around the track again, the longer circuit just takes the cars out of sight for a longer stretch of time.

[Croft fan]

They have big screen at Donington of the DTM's, but hey are provided by DTM sponsors, its just too expensive to have big screens all over the circuit. They did have a big screen at Croft in 2001. But only one, it was great to see what was happening around the circit once the cars had gone out of sight. Hoefuly they will return, but I can not see it yet, unless someone sponsors the Toca package to do so.

[VkmSpouge]

Yeah, I hope that the big screens return too, it's kind of frustrating knowing that there's racing going on the other side of the circuit and you can't see it.

[mark]

I think the short circuit is better. I loved it on the coverage when they were coming down the staright (not sure on the names of them!) and you could hear the cars maxing the power and then slamming on the brakes to slow down for the chicane, just wished they'd kept the camera angle a bit longer thats all. :)

[thommo_fan]

i like both donington layouts, but i do slightly prefer the GP circuit because it has more overtaking opportunities and therefore the race action is better