The value of F1’s last 'old school' circuit
Two recent races at Sochi and Suzuka again exposed the problems with identikit modern circuit design, but also highlighted the unaltered gifts found at circuits built in a previous era
All seemed very right with the world as we stood around, chatting, in the Osterreichring paddock that glorious Friday morning in August 1986. "Good to be back at a proper circuit, isn't it?" said Bernie Ecclestone. He spoke for all of us.
The weekend before, Formula 1 had ventured for the first time to the Hungaroring, and if these days it is apparently regarded by many drivers as something of a classic, its tortuous turns and chicanes did not sit well with that generation. "I should have brought a bloody go-kart," growled Alan Jones.
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