Formula 1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone said that "European race promoters should come to Mexico to see how it should be done," assuring the country's long-term future on the calendar, according to Alan Baldwin of REUTERS. Without singling out any European races -- "although it could be assumed Italy, Germany and Britain would be high on the 85-year-old's list" -- Ecclestone said that "Mexico's return for the first time in 23 years provided a useful lesson to others." Ecclestone: "This is when some of our people in Europe who complain about things, when they realize what people like these do to promote the race and make it happen and compare it with what they do. For them mostly, Sunday night when the race finishes that’s it. They remember it sort of a week before the next year's (event). We should get some of the European promoters to come to these races and have a look and see what they should be doing." The Briton said that "Mexico's place on the calendar was assured." Ecclestone: "It was long-term before and it will be long-term again." Latin America now has two races, with Brazil following Mexico next month and Ecclestone said that he was "also talking to Argentina" -- another race that has been absent since the '90s. Ecclestone added, "It can happen. Not will, can. It's incredible. All these countries in a little bit of financial problems and they are getting the job done. And the so-called mighty Europe... It's really and truly the people behind things that make things happen." European promoters, such as British Grand Prix organizers Silverstone, "must recoup hosting fees through ticket prices while many newer venues on the calendar receive significant state funding" (REUTERS, 10/29).
'GO-KART' TRACK: In London, the BBC reported F1 champion Lewis Hamilton described the new Mexican Grand Prix circuit as "challenging for everyone but fun." He "praised the atmosphere created by thousands of fans." Hamilton: "It's crazy how slippery it is, just sliding around, a bit like a go-kart track in the slow areas." The track is at an altitude of 2,285m, which means "the cars' aerodynamics work less effectively than at circuits with a lower elevation because of the thinner air." Hamilton's Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg said, "It is great to learn a new track. They have done a good job" (BBC, 10/31).
