'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.