Analysis: Abu Dhabi to squeeze calendar

The addition of an Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, whose seven-year deal was confirmed at the weekend, makes commercial sense even if it will hardly raise the spirits of European circuit owners.

It adds to the glamour of the sport, with the largest of the United Arab Emirates offering a Gulf version of Monaco with cars racing through the streets and along the seafront of another billionaires' playground.

The time zone, with Abu Dhabi four hours ahead of GMT, is also good for broadcasters and sponsors looking for increased audiences in Europe and Asia.

When Bahrain kicked off last season, instead of Australia, television viewing figures in the key European markets were up to three times the norm.

The loser in any realignment is bound to be Europe. Two races, Hockenheim and Imola, have gone this year and more will surely follow unless the calendar is expanded.

Even if there is some protection for the classic venues, sentiment is in short supply.

"Apart from Monaco, is there any Grand Prix that you couldn't lose? I don't think so," Spyker technical chief Mike Gascoyne told reporters at Silverstone this week.

Renault team boss Flavio Briatore agreed.

"International expansion is something Formula One should welcome, if we are going to have a true world championship," he said at the weekend.

"There is no sense having 80 percent of the calendar in Europe, in my opinion. Abu Dhabi will be the perfect venue for Formula One."

International Automobile Federation (FIA) president Max Mosley said in November the calendar was too European and teams might have to accept a 20-race season if more traditional venues were not to be axed.

There are 17 races this year, after 18 in 2006 and an unprecedented 19 in 2005. That put an almost intolerable strain on some teams, although testing has been heavily cut back now.

South Korea is pencilled in for 2010 and Ecclestone said there were five more countries waiting. He also wants 'one or two' night races.

"It could be good in Japan or China," he said. Or Singapore, where would-be organisers have been talking up their chances of hosting a floodlit street race.

India is a strong contender while South Africa, Russia and second races in the United States and Japan have been mooted as well as Valencia in double world champion Fernando Alonso's native Spain.

The 'Concorde Agreement' between the teams, commercial rights holders and the governing body expires at the end of the year and a new version will give teams considerably more money.

The funding has to come from somewhere, and these days that means countries with no motor racing tradition but plenty of wherewithal.

Bahrain spent $150 million on its circuit, China $350 million. Abu Dhabi is already building a Ferrari theme park.

"If the Concorde Agreement is going to ensure that the teams get a revenue stream that means they can survive, then Bernie needs to be bringing money into Formula One to be able to pay the teams," said Gascoyne.

"I don't think anyone could not admit that Bahrain, Shanghai, Malaysia have all been fantastic venues and fantastic shows. It's hard to fight against it," he added.

"To have to sit in a shitty little garage with a dirty little toilet in the corner of it at Silverstone, it's frustrating.

"You look at Silverstone and it's not that difficult to build a new pit block and some decent facilities...You don't have to build a whole new circuit or anything.

"It's a competitive business. If you want to be in the business, compete or get lost," added the Briton.

Silverstone has a contract to the end of 2009 but the future remains uncertain.

Ecclestone suggested last year that Britain and France should alternate their races. France liked the idea, Silverstone rejected it.

With candidates lobbying hard and willing to spend big to make their dreams come true, it will be no surprise if Ecclestone's proposal is revived before long.