Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey said that F1 views China as a "long-term play" and a second grand prix in the nation of 1.3 billion people "remains years away," according to Alan Baldwin of REUTERS. Carey said, "China is a little bit like the U.S. -- two enormous markets. It will clearly take time. They are markets that will probably be important to Formula 1 in a five- to 10-year timeframe, not a three-year timeframe." China has had a grand prix in Shanghai since '04 but the contract is up for renewal and next year's race "has an asterisk against it along with Singapore's round, which is also subject to confirmation." While negotiations continue, there has also been "talk of China eventually hosting a second race along with expansion" in the U.S. (REUTERS, 7/29).
ELECTRIC FOCUS: Baldwin also reported Carey has "yet to be convinced" by Formula E's sporting credentials and "has no qualms about the increasing focus" of major car manufacturers toward the all-electric series. German companies Porsche and Mercedes last week announced departures from other championships to enter Formula E in '19, its sixth season. Carey said, "The events of this week didn't change my view on Formula E one iota. ... I think Formula E at this point is in many ways a combination of a street party for fans and sponsors and auto companies. For sponsors it is pursuing a corporate identification with a cause they like, for automotive companies R+D (research and development) and a technology they think will be a bigger part of their future. I’m not sure those things connect yet to make it a sport" (REUTERS, 7/28).
HEAD PROTECTION: In London, Rebecca Clancy reported for those F1 drivers and fans "disgruntled at the introduction of the controversial halo, there may be some light either side of that central strut." This month, FIA announced the halo head protection system "would be mandatory" for the '18 season. It may not be permanent, however, "if a better solution can be found." FIA Safety Dir Laurent Mekies said, "It's possible that in the future we'll break some milestones and decide that another solution will give better protection and hopefully better aesthetics" (LONDON TIMES, 7/28).
