'Showdown looming' over F1 future

BBC SPORT | Motorsport | Formula One
I have not posted about this up until now largely because I have found the whole issue tiresome in the extreme. It's not that I'm not sympathetic to the "car manufacturers" as they seem to be known (interesting term to use because what's Ferrari's line of work again??) because clearly Formula 1 is being run right now to benefit the pockets of a few and the reputation of one low volume high-cost car maker, and that has to be wrong.

No - I'm just bored of the way it's being done. If the manufacturers wanted to force the issue then maybe they think saying that they'll go and do another championship in 2008 is going to do the trick. Personally, all I think will happen is that Bernie, Max and chums will line up another 7-9 teams to do his bidding - presumably all coming from the Middle East, Asia and North America. Lo and behold A1 GP becomes F1 and all the car manufacturers are left out in the cold.

The banks who own the damn sport are the ones with the right idea - take it to the courts and if you win then take control - if they lose then too bad we're stuck with Bernie and friends.

However, why I'm bored of the whole thing is that surely it's missing the point by miles. Formula 1 isnt exciting any more. Sorry guys, Michael Schumacher deserves a lot of credit and whoever in Ferrari that managed to negotiate killer deals on the rules clearly deserves a lot - but it isnt sport any more. It was like watching the Ryder Cup back in the 70s and 80s - only one team in it - so no-one watched.

To be honest, this year I'd be suprised if I watch more than half a dozen GPs. On the other hand I'll probably watch all the IRL, all the Speedway GP and most of the Moto Gp races. Because I actually want to see a race - not a 90 minute procession. It's about time someone who makes the rules actually cared otherwise come 2008 they wont just be looking for teams - they'll be looking for an audience too.

Dodge looking at the bigger picture?

GrandPrix.com I'm not one normally to post F1 rumours and gossip, however this one is interesting. Dodge looking at F1 in a few years' time maybe - could it be that the "American Eagle" project is back on again? Scott Speed and other young US racers should take note....

Queen 'does great cockney accent'

BBC NEWS | UK I'm sorry....is this April Fools' Day come early. Is this "news" even - does anyone care what party tricks the Queen can do??? Not me....

More from Chaz Davies

The Official MotoGP Website An interview with Chaz Davies after a highly successful test result - fastest privateer rider by over a second and 5th placed overall - great result!

An NFL legend moves on

BBC SPORT - Dallas great announces retirement Emmitt Smith perhaps should have retired when he left the Cowboys but no-one could ever accuse him of not giving everything to the sport when he was at his best. Even in the last couple of season he has shown flickers of the greatness he had in most of his Cowboys' days. His place in the Hall of Fame was assured years ago. Cant say I always liked the man but that's mainly due to my allegiance to the SF 49ers but you just have to give him the respect he deserves.

McWilliams set for Superbike move

BBC SPORT I reckon this is a huge disappointment for British bike fans. McWilliams has just never been that fashionable in the 500s / MotoGP classes and finally that has caught up with him. Will make the BSB championship much more entertaining viewing though.

Davies encouraged by new machine

BBC SPORT
Great to see Chaz Davies building up for another great year in the 250s. Last year's top six finishes really were superb results, and only now I discovered he was on 6 year old machinery! On only 2 year old bikes that it could be he will make an enormous leap forward - I'll certainly be keeping my fingers crossed.

News round up

Having been unwell for the last couple of weeks I've missed a whole bunch of motor racing stories, so here's a good time to catch up

Thomas Enge has signed up at IRL's Panther Racing. Personally, I thought Townsend Bell had done more than well enough to keep his drive next year and can count himself pretty unlucky. In Enge's one or two run-outs last year he didnt look all the quick, but of course his F3000 performance in 2003 remind us he can be very fast on occasion.

Jordan sells up to the Russians. Cant say I blame Eddie really. It doesnt seem to be all that much fun running any F1 team right now let alone one struggling at the back. Good luck to him in his next endeavours....

Paul Stoddart met with Max Mosley apparently to try and thrash out some kind of understanding between the teams and the rulers of the sport. You have to respect Stoddart really - as I recall he was seen as a bit of a joke when he bought Minardi, but he's got the guts to try and compete with the best with no budget at all, and he's going to pull his weight in any negotiations he is in.

Ferrari looking as isolated as they ever have. I've said it here before but my interest in F1 has certainly dipped over the past couple of years. Todt and friends really dont seem interested in the good of the sport and I think the position they are in is very precarious right now. They run the risk of winning a championship that has been more or less designed around them so really why bother anymore??

That's enough for now....I'm sure this year isnt going to be as bad in F1 as I'm fearing but such blind optimism probably wont help us when we get to the first race.