Tracks of my tears

Sir,

I was pleased to note that in Modem Times (August issue) Simon Taylor drew attention to the imminent loss of one of the few remaining fast circuits in the Formula One calendar Hockenheim in its current format

I do not wish to argue that Hockenheim is one of the world’s great circuits for that would indeed be a futile exercise but the increasing homogeneity of the circuits in today’s calendar, in terms of layout and of average speed, is surely a matter of concern.

Fifteen years ago we were able to see cars and drivers tested to their limits at Paul Ricard, Silverstone, Hockenheim, the Osterreichring, Spa-Francorchamps and Monza. Following the restructuring of Hockenheim, only the latter two will remain in configurations similar to those of 1986.

Quite apart from aesthetic considerations, this variety provided the opportunity for different teams and drivers to challenge the status quo over the course of a season. Consider the relative pace of Williams-BMW and Ferrari at Monza and Hockenheim this season; and then consider how much more interesting the championship might have been had there been a greater variety of tracks.

I am, Yours etc,

Gerard Eriksson, Uppsala, Sweden