A great spectacle ... but what about the racing?

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November 02

A great spectacle ... but what about the racing?

Photo: Red Bull (Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Dan Trent writes:
So, that's F1 done for another season. But what was it with that Abu Dhabi track? Everyone seemed to be tripping over each other to praise Bernie Ecclestone for his 'vision' in adding such a spectacular venue to the F1 calendar. But that's all it was, a spectacle. Because, as with so many of these new circuits, the actual racing seems way down in the list of priorities.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz
I know, if I want proper racing I should forget F1 and watch touring cars or rallying instead. And with F1 the show, in-fighting and razzamataz is, and always has been, a huge part of the deal. But, as we've seen this year, it doesn't to necessarily come at the expense of the racing. Sure, Bernie's coffers are swelled by the likes of Abu Dhabi, Singapore, China and other recent additions to the circus. But the divide between the show tracks and the racing tracks is now huge.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz
I'd rather trudge through the Ardennes forest at Spa or sip lukewarm tea in a plastic cup at Silverstone and watch a real race than enjoy the VIP treatment in some air conditioned booth in a soulless luxury hotel while vaguely aware of racing cars going past. But then, I guess, F1 isn't really interested in folk like me. Still, there are reasons to remain optimistic.

Such as the return of one of F1's great institutions, namely a wildly unpredictable Japanese driver. Step up my new favourite racer Kamui Kobayashi, a man who could, single handedly, make Toyotas look interesting. I like his style. And so too do the team apparently. After all, if you're not actually going to win stuff getting stuck in and generally irritating the front runners is a great way to ensure the cameras follow you round and get coverage for your sponsors.

Photo: PA
The car in front is, it seems, a Toyota. And, whether you're a recently crowned champion or drive a McLaren or Ferrari, isn't about to let you through without the fight of your life. My dream F1 on-track battle? Kobayashi versus Schumacher. Forget your corporate mega tracks and sunset races - that would be a show and half.

Dan

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