Doha: South Korea’s Formula One Grand Prix has been reinstated provisionally on a record 21-race calendar for 2015 while double points have been scrapped for the final round in Abu Dhabi, the sport’s governing body said yesterday.
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) listed the Korean race as the fifth round of the season on May 3, with the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona scheduled for the following weekend.
The tight turnaround, and teams’ previous reluctance to have more than 20 races, immediately raised doubts about the likelihood of the Korean race happening however. The season will start in Australia on March 15. Mexico will also return to the calendar after a 23-year absence, with a race scheduled for November 1 in Mexico City.
China becomes the third race of the season on April 12, taking the slot initially assigned to Bahrain on a previous draft calendar. Bahrain is now pushed back to April 19.
Changes to the sporting regulations included the decision to abandon the controversial experiment with double points introduced this year.
The format was unpopular with fans and risked making a mockery of the season, with eventual champion Lewis Hamilton in danger of losing out to Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg despite winning 10 races compared to the German’s five.
A plan to introduced standing re-starts after the introduction of a safety car was also jettisoned after teams raised safety concerns.
However a ‘virtual safety car’ system was agreed.
“It will normally be used when double waved yellow flags are needed on any section of track and competitors or officials may be in danger, but the circumstances are not such as to warrant use of the safety car itself,” the FIA said. REUTERS
Doha: The agenda for next year’s Middle East Rally Championship was approved yesterday on the third day of FIA’s annual General Assembly being held at the St Regis Doha.
The championships spans eight host nations — Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Cyprus and Dubai.
H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, Special Adviser to H H the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, also met FIA President Jean Todt yesterday.
Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation President (QMMF) and FIA Vice-president Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah thanked Sheikh Abdullah for his visit.
FIA’s annual General Assembly is the most important meeting in motor sports.
Today, the newly-added Prize-giving Challenge will be held at the karting track of the Prize-Giving Village. FIA champions and guests will take part in the fun and exciting competition where fans are invited.
More than 30 drivers, including Daniel Ricciardo, Sebastien Loeb and Petter Solberg, have confirmed their participation in the event.
Al Attiyah also thanked H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani for her efforts as the head of Qatar Museums Council as she offered guests a chance to see the cultural, literal and historical aspects of the Gulf nation.
“We as a federation appreciate her efforts and look forward to have a fruitful cooperation in the future,” Al Attiyah said.
THE PENINSULA
