Why Formula 1 has staged grands prix under some very misleading names

5. Pacific GP not by the Pacific

The Seto Inland Sea GP doesn’t really hold the same cachet as Pacific GP, but that would have been a more accurate name for the second Japanese event held at TI Circuit in 1994 and ’95. The remote circuit is 35 miles north-east of the city of Okayama – itself separated from any contact with the world’s largest ocean not only by said sea, but also by Shikoku, an island of significant size. Like the latter-day Nürburgring, it’s a largely dull layout carved out of an area of great beauty.

4. Luxembourg GP in Germany

In 1997, the German GP was at Hockenheim, and there was a season finale European GP at Jerez (the Spanish GP was well-established at Barcelona). But, at the height of Schumachermania, there was scope for a second German race. So the Nürburgring round was named after Luxembourg, over 50 miles away. Sadly for the locals, both Schumachers were out in two laps. The race kept the same nomenclature for ’98, despite there being no European GP!

3. European GP in Asia

Past European GPs tended to be additional races in countries that already had an F1 event; Brands, Nürburgring, Donington Park, Valencia, etc. So when Baku joined the calendar in 2016, it was odd that it wasn’t dubbed the Azerbaijan GP – its name from 2017 on. Baku’s location by the Caspian Sea places it in Asia, although part of the country does lie in Europe. A fantastic circuit though, with its flat-out sweeps and tight old-town section making it a modern classic. Nico Rosberg was the winner in ’16 for Mercedes.

2. Swiss GP in France

Dijon had hosted four French GPs, plus a non-championship Swiss GP in 1975. It was Paul Ricard’s turn for the French GP in ’82, but another race was needed to bulk out the calendar to 16 races… In stepped Dijon, flying the flag for a country where racing had been banned since 1955 – and is 110 miles away. Aside from erratic organisation, Dijon was far more popular than Ricard as a track. Its Swiss GP was notable for being Keke Rosberg’s only win on his way to the title.

1. San Marino GP in Italy

With Monza losing popularity – and requiring work on its facilities – Imola stepped in to host the 1980 Italian GP. As Denis Jenkinson wrote in Motor Sport: “Monza is the true home of the Italian GP, but nonetheless Imola is well capable of handling a big F1 event.” This it proved over the next 26 years. Monza was restored to the calendar, but Imola was given a second Italian race – named the San Marino GP. Imola is 60 miles from San Marino, but the race became a popular staple of the calendar, barring the tragic 1994 weekend. Emotional Patrick Tambay win in 1983, above, and Schumacher/Alonso thriller of 2005 were highlights.