With the coming of new venues every year like Baku in 2016 there are many great tracks that are left behind either due to financial issues or lack of attendance or managerial issues. When Sochi inaugrated their circuit in 2015 they became the 70th circuit to ever host a Formula One grand prix. While some circuits go without making a mark, some make the fans wish for their return, for more and more action at the circuit. Here are 5 circuits that we wish were a part of the current F1 calendar, the ones that are surely in our opinion “the best of the rest”.

5 Circuits we Wish Were Part of the F1 Calendar

5. Nürburgring

Although the 2015 German Grand Prix was scheduled to be held in Nurburgring, it got cancelled due to financial issues and it’s future looks pretty bleak as of now.

Nurburgring is a racetrack with a massive 150,000 capacity which has undergone several changes to its design layout over the years.

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The old track layout, named the Nordschleife, was considered a “green hell” for the difficult circuit that it was.

The new layout was inaugurated in 1984 which primarily aimed at improving the safety but robbed the place of its uniqueness and grandeur. No track posed a challenge as big as this one, before the introduction of the shorter 2.8 miles circuit was introduced.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0OPQt01YtU

The new layout boasts of incredible variation changes and still feels like a classic that it was once before.

4. Istanbul Park

Described by Bernie Ecclestone as “the best track of the world”, the Istanbul Park was inaugurated in 2005 and organised a mere 7 races but earned world wide acclamatation during this short reign itself.

Designed by Hermann Tilke, it is defined many at times as his finest creations. It ran anti clockwise and was a relatively fast circuit, with many comparisons to Spa itself.

The Turn 8 is the most interesting and tricky of the lot. It is a fast sweeping corner with four apexes. Nicknamed the ‘Diabolica’, the turn has enjoyed as being called the drivers and fan favourites over the years. Drivers experience a force of 5G over the corner.

The Turn 1 has also experienced many accidents since its a sharp downhill left corner immediately followed by the start straight. Unlike the characteristic Tilke tracks, it was designed to take the drivers out and be less of a car dependent track.

Felipe Massa won three out of the seven races here, though much like Massa’s form, the Istanbul Park lost its way. The year by year fall in attendance led to the circuit’s elimination from the grid in 2011 and its future has been bleak ever since.

3. Magny Cours

The legendary French Grand Prix has travelled to many different venues before finally resting in 2008 at the Magny Cours. Probably amongst the oldest races ever, Formula One has witnessed a massive 86 French Grand Prix, but things became difficult with Magny Cours considering financial instability.

The Magny Cours was one of the flattest tracks of that time with negligible elevation changes. Although limited over taking chances, the track features slow hairpins and fast speed chicanes, which make the race interesting.

Having been in Formula One since 1991, it underwent its first modification in 2003 which led to a shorter pit exit, which was responsible for Schumacher’s brilliant 4 stop winning strategy in 2004.

2. Brands Hatch

Renowned by Gerhard Berger as the “best circuit in the world”, Brands Hatch was host to 12 British Grand Prix from 1964 to 1986 and has seen some very historic and memorable races, including Nigel Mansell’s first win in 1985. Mansell still holds the lap record set in 1986.

The circuit begins on the Brabham Straight which is followed by a trick right hander called the Paddock Hill Bend which is a tricky corner but offers good overtaking chances. The track features many elevation changes along with smooth curves and bent stretches. Brands Hatch is renowned for the scenic beauty of the track and often counted amongst the most beautiful circuits of the world.

From 1987 onwards, Silverstone got the right for the British Grand Prix. Brands Hatch is still a busy  circuit with many other motorsport events, but there seems to be no sign of Formula One even in the near future.

1. Imola

Poor Imola was forever stuck with the tag of being the circuit where Ayrton Senna died. It played host to 26 San Marino Grand Prix with the last being held in 2006. Now with Monza’s future in doubt, rumours point to Imola either taking away the Italian Grand Prix from the legendary Monza or alternating with them.

The atmosphere at the San Marino Grand Prix every time is ecstatic with filled grandstands and Ferrari banners and posters flocking the circuit. Built around plush greenery, it has undergone many changes to its design over the years especially since the race in 1994.

Throughout its time, there were safety concerns with the track. It was always a high speed track but considering that it was part of the city roads initially, meant that the track was bumpy. The extremely famous Tamburello corner was a flat out corner but saw many accidents due to its bumpy nature.

Being a tricky circuit to drive to, followed by tremendous attendance in every race, Imola would be our top pick for our list. It is one such track that helps separate the best from the rest considering the tricky fast pace chicanes it offers. It was granted the Grade 1 certificate by FIA in 2011 which means it is fit to host a grand prix again.