According to the official Formula One website, TV viewing figures for the sport increased in 2010, much to the delight of Bernie Ecclestone.

According to the report, in 2010 F1 attracted 527 million viewers, with growth in nine out of the 11 largest markets. This amounted to a rise of 1.3% on 2009 when F1 attracted 520 million viewers.

"Whilst 2010 has delivered some great things, 2011 promises even more," Ecclestone told his website, "as Formula One seeks to build upon the foundations laid in our emerging markets and enthral our audiences across the world."

However, it should be noted that in 2009 the calendar comprised 17 races, while there were 19 in 2010. This means, based on the disclosed figures, in 2009 each race attracted an average of 30.58 million viewers while in 2010 the average dropped to 27.73 million. Furthermore, it should be noted that the 2009 figures showed a slump of 13% on 2008.

While Bernie Ecclestone may well be delighted with a 1.3% increase, this seems small fry when one considers that 2010 saw the return of Michael Schumacher and Mercedes, Fernando Alonso at Ferrari, Jenson Button partnering Lewis Hamilton at McLaren and three brand new teams entering the sport, not to mention the return of Sauber. And let's not also forget the fact that in the final phase of the championship as many as five drivers were in with a shout of taking the title.

It is rare for the official website to cover such date, indeed, sceptics might claim that the announcement was opportune, considering that Frank Williams was on the verge of announcing that he might float his company, not to mention various other stories in the German media.