Open Letter to FIA: Time to sort out the calendar mess

The place was a mess, but the broom is sweeping clean. Keep up the good work.

Not for the first time, we have decided to write an Open Letter to FIA, which is seeded by internal discussions within our GrandPrix247 team of contributors and sources, whereby we will address issues, make suggestions and of course, keep a watchful eye on how the new FIA is skinned, and how effective it will be going forward.

Before we get into all things Canada Grand Prix, it is important to reflect on the debacle of the international motorsport calendar we just experienced, a jumble sale of missed opportunities to maximise our sport's exposure in three weeks to really live up to the slogan #WeRaceAsOne, in the literal sense not mere lip-service.

Consider the absurd 2022 motorsport schedule we just endured:

Exactly! What were the guys thinking last year when they devised this calendar? Were they thinking at all?

This is what your ineffective predecessor Todt thought would be good for motorsport. That's why he is gone.

It is disgraceful that the crown jewels of the three major motor racing disciplines clash without concern from the FIA, disregarding the priceless opportunity to unite motorsport with three glorious weekends of racing, showcasing global motorsport at the highest level.

Ecclestone, backed by wingman Max Mosley, were obsessively intent on destroying any racing series that could impact or threaten F1 financially.

And thus they went on to build F1 into the giant it has become, trampling (make that defecating) on all other motorsports. He even wanted to buy MotoGP - to kill it - as it rivalled his vision of F1. Dorna told him to take a hike at the time. Phew!

However, we are still paying the price of Bernie's scorched-earth greed and pure ignorance but, regrettably despite his fading into oblivion, the tentacles of his reign are still felt and reared themselves in this visionless 2022 racing calendar.

Would it not make sense to celebrate motorsports globally by having these three races on back-to-back weekends? Giving the Triple Crown of Motorsport real relevance and exposure. Imagine the possibilities: F1 drivers guesting at the Brickyard then welcoming them to Monaco a week later.

And then, Valhalla! Le Mans where F1 drivers and/or IndyCar drivers will be able to contest the 24 Hours; contracts and teams permitting. Next year Ferrari have a Hypercar at Le Mans, but with a date clash no one will care about in the F1 world.

However having no date clash, with Charles Leclerc in the hyper-Ferrari while Carlos Sainz and Antonio Giovinazzi also being on duty.... Salubrious!

Until Bernie kidnapped the 'Big Kid' that's how racing was and how it should be now that the 'new' FIA is taking control and setting their house in order.

For example, this year would it not have made sense to run Indy 500 on May 29, with Monaco a week later on June 5, and Le Mans a week later?

Of course, it does, and we sincerely hope the FIA President's trip to Indianapolis and an audience with 'The Captain' Roger Penske sent the right message. We need to work together to make this thing of ours bigger and better for all, not just for a cabal of loyalists to the previous one.

In a nutshell to our FIA colleagues, pen it on to the long list of things to fix (that Todt broke) as a priority and before they mess up next year's motorsport calendar: Monaco, Indy and Le Mans can never clash again.

And in closing, to the President Mr. Ben Sulayem, be warned 'they' will make excuses and explain how this is not possible. It is. All you have to do is your well-known style, simply say: "Make it happen." And they will.

To all in the FIA, enjoy the Canadian Grand Prix weekend.