Formula 1: The Race Is On

Does Bahrain deserve its place on the calender?

This Formula 1 season has been one of many firsts; first wins for Rosberg and Maldonado, as well as Mercedes GP, the first seven races each had different winners and the first to feature six past and present World Champions. In a few months time, Formula One arrives in Austin, Texas for the first race in the United States in five years. Not only this, but it means that this years World Championship is the first to reach 20 races in a season.

So, with the Championship stretching fit to burst across 5 continents, is there any more room for new circuits and events? We all know that scheduled for next year is the first Grand Prix around the streets of New Jersey and then the Russian city of Sochi is being scheduled for 2014. Then there have been Grand Prix's pitched in places like Greece as well as the increasing speculation of a Grand Prix in London.

Not only this but the possibility of re-adding classic events like South Africa, Mexico, Argentina and France into a season poses the question of there being any room left for new events in what is an already jam-packed calender?

All this got me thinking; where would the ultimate F1 season take us? Which circuits, out of the current crop of tracks, as well as future and proposed events would be included and which ones would get the chop? There is only one rule; that the season should not exclude 20 races. So, first off, let's deal with the certainties.

In my mind, there are four essential events the Formula One calender should always visit, regardless of monetary issues. These are, in no particular order, Monaco, Silverstone, Monza and Spa Francorchamps. All are classic circuits that separate the men from the boys and ooze motor-sporting passion, history and heritage. The reasons for the inclusion of these four are pretty obvious but I'll go ahead and list them anyway.

Firstly, Silverstone for its fast curves, changeable weather and huge crowds; the Brits really get behind their favourites on race-weekend like nowhere else. Monaco, for its risky, tight circuit that leaves no room for error and glitzy location. Spa, because it is simply the best race-track in the sport and Monza because it is the home of Ferrari, the tifosi and the legends that go with it.

 Add in other important and classic events like the Spanish (Valencia or Barcelona to alternate), French (Paul Ricard), Hungary (Hungaroring) and German (preferably Nurburgring) Grand Prix's and we have 8 races in Europe. 12 spaces left to fill.

Events outside of Europe are obviously essential in creating what is truly a 'World' Championship. Again, there are certain tracks that are a given. Montreal. Suzuka. Albert Park. Interlagos. So that's one a piece for North America, Asia, Oceania and South America. 8 spaces left to fill. We're running out of places.

An event that stands out is the Singapore Grand Prix. An immensely challenging circuit in tough conditions, the Marina Bay circuit has the street-like nature of Monaco with the humidity of Malaysia and the glitz of Abu Dhabi. So add it to the list of events. Couple that with the Malaysia Grand Prix, a race that rarely fails to disappoint, and we have just 6 spaces left.

The United States Grand Prix in Texas is a great upcoming venture for Formula 1. The States is a market that F1 needs to tap back into and there are certainly no shortage of motorsport fans there. In my mind, F1 should never have left behind Indianapolis, but Austin is shaping up to be something special. As for New Jersey, I don't agree any country should have two races a year so it'll either have to move aside or alternate with Austin.

I'm not so sure on Grand Prix racing in Russia but, given the growing fanbase around Vitaly Petrov, I see no reason why it should miss out. Add it to the list. 4 spots left.

In recent years, F1 has expanded into huge markets such as China and India. Both have been hugely successful and popular; we have had some cracking Chinese Grand Prix's (2006, 2009-2012) and the Indian Grand Prix last year was a big success. It is important for the sport to forge audiences in the Far East so add China and India to the other 5 Asian races (Japan, Singapore, UAE, Russia and Malaysia). 2 left to go.

At this point, it is easier to look at which circuits I would discount rather than those I would include. So for starters, I would dump Bahrain. I can't recall one single Bahrain Grand Prix that has had me shouting at the television and jumping up and down. More likely, I was reaching for the pillows and my nightcap. Abu Dhabi does an okay job of filling the "Middle Eastern" round of the season so do we really need two? Not really. Sorry Bahrain; time to bite the dust. Add Abu Dhabi to the list. 1 spot left to go.

For me, an event I always enjoyed immensely was Turkey. A stellar circuit with a mixture corners and elevation changes, Istanbul Park gave us some classic races, 2010 most notably. This aside however, the race itself was always a commercial failure and poor ticket sales left empty grandstands for the most part. So scratch that from the list.

Another obvious one to omit is Korea. 2010 and 2011 have not been enough to convince me that Korea is a valid place to host a Grand Prix and the empty grandstands on race day imply that the Koreans have not been convinced either. A track that is dull, grey and lifeless, the Yeongam circuit is hardly Spa or even Sepang for that matter. Scratch it.

With one space left then, where else could F1 go? Does Mexico get to make a come-back? What about South Africa? For me, Mexico would be a brilliant venue, with fans pouring in to see young gun Sergio Perez make his mark. Either that, or Argentina, home of the great Juan Manuel Fangio would be a good country to see return.

So there we have it, 20 races, one ultimate F1 season. What do you think? Do you think I missed anywhere? Let me know what you think in the comments! I've included the full list of tracks (and preferred order below)

1. Australia (Albert Park)
2. Singapore (Marina Bay)
3. Malaysia (Sepang)
4. China (Shanghai)
5. Spain (Valencia/Barcelona alternating)
6. Monaco (Monte Carlo)
7. Canada (Montreal)
8. United States (Austin/New Jersey alternating)
9. France (Paul Ricard)
10. Britain (Silverstone)
11. Germany (Nurburgring/Hockenheim alternating)
12. Belgium (Spa)
13. Italy (Monza)
14. Hungary (Hungaroring)
15. Russia (Sochi)
16. Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina)
17. India (Buddh)
18. Japan (Suzuka)
19. Mexico/Argentina (new track)
20. Brazil (Interlagos)