With Germany’s spot on the Formula One calendar effectively dormant and Italy’s GP at Monza in an imperilled state, the revolving-door nature of the Formula One Wold Championship has hit dizzying levels of irony.
It wasn’t not long ago that Germany and Italy were the only venues left in which Bernie Ecclestone could generate revenue through relaxed tobacco advertising legislation.
What was once a marriage of convenience for Ecclestone has now become parody, with the championship resembling a cigarette-dispenser – something has to pop out for another race to slot in.
More and more of the championship is being built on shaky foundations. Ecclestone might be squeezing as much as he can from banana republics to make a quick buck, but if it’s a casual fling he’s after, is he going about it the right way?
I only watch a few tennis meets a year and have a terrible knowledge of the Davis Cup. I also ignorantly assume that the only golf event of any worth is the U.S. Open. Similarly I’d expect the casual Formula One viewer would have the barest knowledge of Sochi and even less interest in the potential of a race in Rwanda – yes, incredibly there are provisional talks in place for a race there.
Grand Slam events in tennis and majors in golf amplify the sense of occasion, much like the Monaco Grand Prix brings out every armchair expert who’s ever had a passing interest in The Rockford Files.
But if these blue riband events are what the fly-by-night viewer is watching, then instead of forcing them into extinction, why not milk them for all their worth? Enshrining grand prix venues like Silverstone, Monaco, Monza, Suzuka and Spa would not only appease the purists, but coagulate any casual viewers swimming against the current. Even Major League Baseball’s World Series never ventures outside North America and what harm has that done?
Extra points for these rounds could increase the gravity of these races, with a ‘historical significance’ clause set to ensure promoters are not susceptible to Bernie’s fluctuating race fees. I doubt this would happen, but then I’m writing in the interests of the sport, not those drinking from the trough.
With seven back-to-back races scheduled next year, teams are already struggling to make it through the season and less proceeds from CVC’s one-way revenue street means only the biggest teams will survive.
But then using my argument, maybe having just Mercedes and Ferrari circulate around Azerbaijan could just enhance the sense of occasion. Everyone remembers Indianapolis 2005 right?
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