Jean Todt says more innovations required in Formula 1 to attract TV viewers – Formula 1
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) president Jean Todt has expressed his feelings about the Formula 1 sport saying that it requires more innovations.
Despites suggesting V4 machines for 2013, Todt said that the drivers should be more recognizable. Todt further added that the tracks are also a crucial factor to gather fans across the globe.
Todt’s suggestion of V4 was not greeted warmly by Formula 1 world as Bernie Ecclestone said that V4’s will compromise the sport by compromising the sound of the engine. Todt seemed resolute about the V4 machines and said that along with thinking about the
environmental issues, F1 should minimise the cost of the sport so that small budgeted teams can survive.
Despite V4 talks, Todt stated that Formula 1 needs more innovations so that more fans can tune-in to it.
“People have many other ways of spending their free time. It's why we have to ask ourselves every day what we can improve in the show,” said Todt.
He further added that the tracks will play an important role in gaining spectator support as more overtaking will keep them involved in the race. Todt cited the example of the famous Abu Dhabi Grand Prix where no overtaking was possible and fans were disappointed
about the track and the drivers.
Overtaking issues have been addressed by the introduction of the Kinetic Energy Recovery System and Drag Reduction System. Both these systems along with new fast wearing Pirelli tyres showed promised a lot in the Australian Grand Prix.
Todt further commented that the drivers should be more identifiable sitting in the car.
“In television I can hardly recognise who is sitting in a car. The helmets are only known to experts. A lot of drivers are constantly changing the design as well.”
He gave an example of NASCAR where drivers are given numbers written on the car which remains for their entire career by which spectators can know about their stars.
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