A survey run by Ferrari following the Australian Grand Prix reveals that 83% of those that took part are disappointed with the new format.

According to the Italian team: "The poll which began a few days ago on ferrari.com to sound out people's opinion on the show put on by the new Formula 1, has come to an end with over 50,000 fans expressing an opinion.

"83% are disappointed with the new format, dismissing it mainly because of the drivers being forced to lift off to save fuel. In addition, the fans don't like the noise from the new engines and are confused by rules that are too complicated.

"Interesting to note that the "no" vote increased dramatically after the Malaysian Grand Prix," the Maranello outfit continues. "The most vociferous in their opinions were the Italians, British, French and Australians, these countries having long links to Formula 1. But there were also plenty of votes from large countries such as the United States and India."

Quite what the teams, drivers and the sport's power-that-be will make of the result remains to be seen, but 83% of fans being disappointed means that only 17% are not disappointed, the sort of results that would sent shockwaves through any company that encountered such negativity.

Earlier this year, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff claimed that he and fellow team bosses were surprised by fans negative reaction to the plan to introduce double points.

83% isn't a few fans whinging it is a tsunami of dissatisfaction, and while the results of the survey - like the results of all such surveys - can be (mis)interpreted and paint the picture one desires to portray - the sport really must start to take notice of its core customers... those that pay to attend races and those that watch on TV.

Check out our Thursday gallery, here.

Chris Balfe

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Paul C, 05/04/2014 3:09

"The last two races sounded like lawnmower races. Hook up the pu power units to leafblowers to replace those primitive straw brooms the F1 marshals use to clear the track. Give all of the teams GP2 cars to race. Don't replace the current F1 cars with Formula Scaletrix cars (Formula E)."

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2. Posted by Carugatese, 04/04/2014 9:39

"TV audience plummeted, surveys showing a strong disaffection, ugly cars slower than a GP2 contender, dull races, rising costs, complicated rules: it is pointless to say it is good for Mercedes, bad for a loosing Ferrari or for someone else. F1 is on the wrong way and is loosing not only its meaning as a sport with a strong tradition and a large base of fans, but, above all, its marketing value on the long term, qverwhelmed by a worsening costs/benefits ratio."

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3. Posted by ratchet69, 04/04/2014 9:18

"I listened to the Australian GP and failed to watch the highlights. I just forgot they were on and nothing I had heard made me determined to watch. I fell asleep during the Malaysian GP, nuff said. Luckily for me I am going to be on a training course this Sunday so I will miss the Bahrain GP. I used to move heaven and earth not to miss a single moment of Formula One. Now that it's pretending to be green I can't be bothered."

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4. Posted by testa rossa, 04/04/2014 7:58

"90% of the Mercedes fans will be happy with the new rules . "

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5. Posted by Apples, 04/04/2014 2:00

"83% is conclusive, no other way to look at it. This is a result of F1 going green and trying to fix something that wasn't broken!"

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6. Posted by Springer, 03/04/2014 20:50

"Big surprise people who visit ferrari.com expressed displeasure with F1 this year. I'll bet McLaren could have run a similar survey last year and better than 90% of respondents would have said they weren't happy!

There have only been 2 races so far this year and already the media are hyping these stories of doom. I guess that is how you can an audience and sell advertising at the end of the day - but it accomplishes little else.

Whenever there is change there is also a period of transition when issues are tweaked and opinions are tempered. Allow the teams and the sport some time to come to grips with the new power systems, aerodynamics, fuel restrictions, and rules package - then make your analysis of the product they are providing.

Personally I feel the new rules and cars have great potential for some of the best racing ever. Driver ability and team tactics are important elements of racing and will rise to the top under the current package. It won't be simple aerodynamics and exhaust trickery any longer."

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7. Posted by Ro, 03/04/2014 18:46

"I have a better idea to spice the "show" . How about each team can call a wild card on only one GP where they will get triple points ? Im sorry but F1 is now a joke. The pinnacle of technology? you must be blind (or deaf). What kind of racing driver has to lift just so that he can finish ? I wander what Gilles Villeneuve would think of it ? Sebastian Vetter rightly called it S**T, Gilles would just say its mer**e, lifting just wasnt in his vocabulary. Even the BTCC was better this weekend. I for one won't even switch the TV on to watch F1 this weekend"

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8. Posted by ape, 03/04/2014 18:36

"Ha ha Ferrari is losing again on the track and tries to bend the rules now. LOL"

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9. Posted by Natcheztoo, 03/04/2014 16:49

"Sir:

I cannot think of any other area in which the phrase, "The customer is always right," is so abused.

This is all due to the FIA's high-handed, arrogant intent to force F1 fans to watch what the FIA wants and to promote the Enviromental Agenda.

I didn't even watch the last race.

Jerry Krouser"

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83% of fans disappointed with F1 2014

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