As I mentioned above the rumour that there are plans for Grand Prix to take place in London has caused a bit of a stir. Formula 1 goes to some of the most beautiful cities in the world; Monaco, Melbourne, Barcelona and Sao Paulo to name a few, so it's only right that they jewel in Britain's crown should be represented, right? There's no doubt that London is the UK's biggest attraction and millions of people from all around the world come to visit a great city. With plans to take F1 to New York, well New Jersey technically, the global appeal of the sport is set to increase to the American market. There's no doubt that many people will want London to get in on the action. And the city is beautiful. There's a magnificent skyline and some amazing tourist attractions that would provide a perfect backdrop for a Grand Prix.
However, as with any decision, we have to weigh up the negatives of the argument as well. And, I'm afraid, in this case I think there are more cons than pros. London is a busy city. Fact. Staging a Grand Prix there would take a lot of preparation. Not only would roads and tube stations have to be closed for the Grand Prix but putting up grandstands and making sure the roads are fit for racing on would have to be taken care of weeks before. Can one of the world's busiest cities deal with such disruption? Businesses would be affected not only because of transport but also because many tourists won't want to come to London in the run up to a Grand Prix because of the situation with the roads and the underground. London already attracts a lot of tourists so holding an F1 race there won't necessarily increase that number. There's also the issue of finance and funding. I can't imagine any UK government would be willing to fund a race in the Big Smoke and Bernie Ecclestone wouldn't as it would affect his contracts with other circuits. There's also the problem of noise and pollution. This is already a concern in the capital and let's just say that F1 would attract a few more protests if 24 cars travelling in excess of 200 mph were blazing through London. Furthermore, would the race at Silverstone be sacrificed for London or would we hold two races in Britain? Before that decision is made we would need confirmation of a London Grand Prix. I am doubtful, like many people out there, whether the stories about the race are genuine or merely a distraction created by Mr Ecclestone and co. to divert attention away from a certain bribery accusation. Apparently the circuit would be staged in and around the Olympic stadium so could this also be a way of the powers in F1 simply trying to get people talking about Formula 1 in a year when London will be the focus for so many other sports?
I think a London Grand Prix is a great idea in theory but it isn't very practical and we can't even be sure whether or not the rumours are genuine. In the meantime let's just get ready to enjoy the British Grand Prix that is definitely on the calendar; Silverstone, and we only have to wait one week for it all to begin!
Aqsa
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