Formula 1 has already had numerous attempts of hosting races in the US, back in the 70's and 80's they were extremely popular and had up to 3 races a season on the continent, but we have not seen a race in the US since 2007.
Jacques Villeneuve's sharp tongue stated in the January 2012 edition of F1 Racing Magazine that there is "no place for F1 in America" and seem to be on the fence with this view. On the one had the US has a extensively large population and there are a number of F1 fans in the area, but not all can access the Grand Prix's in such a large country and other sports like NASCAR and IndyCar have always been far more popular
The F1 world is now planning two Grand Prix's in the country, one in Texas and the other in New Jersey. I find myself thinking, are 2 Grand Prix's too many for a nation attatched to NASCAR and IndyCar? There is no doubt about it, both tracks look superb but whether the turn outs at the Grand Prix's will be as expected is yet to be seen.
Along with the back tracking by the Austin track with payments and contracts messily not agreed, the Circuit Of America's is back on track but far behind schedule. I do not understand that even Bernie Ecclestone stated "F1 will not be big in America" but yet he wants to make profit from it as much as possible? That's slightly contradicting because if he wants profit as soon as possible, the lower turn outs and slow grasp to the sport will surely not help.
Anyway, we will have to wait and see how the Grand Prix's fair in 2012 and 2013 respectively but surely more Grand Prix's will benefit the fans, but it may still not settle into the Americans hearts.
Jacques Villeneuve's sharp tongue stated in the January 2012 edition of F1 Racing Magazine that there is "no place for F1 in America" and seem to be on the fence with this view. On the one had the US has a extensively large population and there are a number of F1 fans in the area, but not all can access the Grand Prix's in such a large country and other sports like NASCAR and IndyCar have always been far more popular
The F1 world is now planning two Grand Prix's in the country, one in Texas and the other in New Jersey. I find myself thinking, are 2 Grand Prix's too many for a nation attatched to NASCAR and IndyCar? There is no doubt about it, both tracks look superb but whether the turn outs at the Grand Prix's will be as expected is yet to be seen.
Along with the back tracking by the Austin track with payments and contracts messily not agreed, the Circuit Of America's is back on track but far behind schedule. I do not understand that even Bernie Ecclestone stated "F1 will not be big in America" but yet he wants to make profit from it as much as possible? That's slightly contradicting because if he wants profit as soon as possible, the lower turn outs and slow grasp to the sport will surely not help.
Anyway, we will have to wait and see how the Grand Prix's fair in 2012 and 2013 respectively but surely more Grand Prix's will benefit the fans, but it may still not settle into the Americans hearts.
1 comment:
For F1 to have a truly wordwide championship then yes they have to return to America and also to South America.
Is F1's failure to get massive fan numbers just a case of chicken and egg? If there is no race interest fades, if they do get a race then perhaps they will manage to encourage more fans to look in. I would also imagine that Indycar has lost some its shine with the tragic death of Dan Wheldon, perhaps the Americans will turn to F1 as a safer alternative?
Personally I can't see Teax happening, or at least not next season. The New York race should be a bit of a crowd pleaser though and might just be enough to re-ignite interest. What they really need is an up and coming American driver to enter F1 then there really would be an upsurge in viewing figures.
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