Formula Gone?

I really cannot believe the farce that Formula 1 has become. I am not a huge fan of motorsport in general, preferring to take part than be an armchair spectator. But I am sat, beer in hand jaw hung open agog at the debarcle before me, because I am watching 6 cars that is just 6 cars 'racing' in the American Grand Prix. 2 Ferraris, 2 Minardis and 2 Jordans.

It would appear that there are problems with the Michelin tyres that would prove potentially hazardous under race conditions, the walls of the tyres are compromised as was proven by Ralf Schumacher's accident earlier in the weekend. Several huddles, gossiping in the loo and a few meetings later it transpires that rather than allow either a change of tyres to those of a safer composition especially flown in from France by Michelin (which is of course against this year's rules), or build a chicane on the last banked corner of the Indianapolis circuit to enable lower speeds to 'nurse' the tyres, the Formula 1 powers that be have decided 'no'. Quite rightly the drivers decided not to race as it was a compromise to their own safety.

Is this the final nail in the coffin for the pinnacle of motorsport? Could be. I started watching this season because it seemed to be picking up in entertainment value as the previous years I'd rather have watched the oil drip from a DAF truck during a service it had gotten so boring. I found myself humming the Italian national anthem and knew it was because, like the sport I was being brainwashed by the big scarlet cars.

It is such a shame, as the technologies behind the cars is astounding and I honestly believe it can carry through to the development of the commercial market. When Renault had an turnaround in safety with the Megane, their F1 cars were also having a resurgence. The mechanical, design and scientific minds behind the sport are phenomenal. It is the business and marketing minds, which to my mind are also those most interested in the fiduciary benefits of the sport, that are ruining it.

I will be interested to watch the fallout from this weekend and I will be surprised to see an American Grand Prix next year that's for sure.The fans at Indanapolis were completely unaware of the situation unfolding before them, until they saw the the Michelin shod teams peel off into the pit lane after the parade lap. They are not happy bunnies and who can blame them?

So as an armchair fanatic if you have a thirst for some proper racing, may I suggest watching MotoGP?