A Formula One Grand Prix In London?

WHAT do we all think about that? It would be a truly awesome, inspiring concept I believe, as long as the streets of London were safe during practice, qualifying and the race itself. Imagine a circuit around Piccadily Circus, the Mall, Birdcage Walk, and Parliament Square, also taken in by the drivers would be Buckingham Palace, a tight corner around Big Ben and a cut across Trafalgar Square, with the Pits in St. James Park!

The concept by image – would you stand there? Picture Courtesy Of The Daily Mail

The everyday routes used by the general public would certainly have to be closed off to all traffic and pedestrians effectively from start to finish, both the circuit and the duration of the event.

I also believe that the necessary safety precautions would certainly have to be met with extremely high standards, if this were to be in place in the future. Remember my article about my Stepfather? If you have not read it yet, please find that article here:

The Day My Stepfather Was In The Monaco Formula One Grand Prix…Well..Nearly!!

Now as long as that never occurred again, I am sure that all would be well, at least I certainly hope so. The Monaco Grand Prix has been in effect for a long time, so to put the safety measures in place for a completely new circuit, in a major capital city, and for more than one day would certainly be a huge challenge.

I am sure this would bring in revenue, a lot of revenue, but imagine the chaos that this would bring to London itself? Especially as these races are over weekends, London is busy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year practically, a city that hardly ever “sleeps”, I know, I used to live there.

I am sure all race fans would love this, I would, but I appreciate the negatives. I am sure there would be many people who would be opposed to such an idea, people who wish to go shopping, for a meal, a drink or two, people who would have to rearrange plans possibly? If people are not a fan of the sport, they might not even be aware of the event being on, if they live outside of London and travel in for the day, or the weekend, it could so easily happen.

The man behind the idea? You might all have a hunch about who it might be, I will tell you, Formula 1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone. Now we might not all know but Bernie Ecclestone is a very rich man, to waver slightly, for those who do not know, his daughter Tamara Ecclestone, posed naked with £1 million, covering the vital parts of her anatomy using the notes, which caused quite a stir. Bernie Ecclestone has offered £35 million to stage this race in the capital.

Bernie Ecclestone – Picture Courtesy Of The Daily Mail

Now also for those who do not know, London has a congestion charge, this operates Monday to Friday, and the standard charge is £10 for each day. You can also be fined if you do not pay the charge with a penalty between £60 and £187.

Now Formula 1 drivers would be exempt this charge on Saturday and Sunday, but most of the time they commence Grands Prix on a Friday.

My question is, who would be paying these congestion charges!? Considering there is bound to be congestion! I am sure Mr. Ecclestone or the drivers can afford it, do you?

Image Courtesy of Yahoo Image Search

My Internal Citation:

Bernie Ecclestone – Picture Courtesy Of The Daily Mail

Concept Picture Courtesy Of The Daily Mail

Some information Courtesy Of The Daily Mail

Information regarding the London congestion charge Courtesy Of Wikipedia

Formula 1 Schedule Courtesy Of F1 Formula 1

Smiley Face Picture Courtesy of Yahoo Image Search

Thank you so very much to all concerned.

Thank you for reading, any likes, views, comments are greatly appreciated, thank you very much.

Sincerely,

Chris Bailie.