30/09/2002
FEATURE BY CHRIS BALFE
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Dear Bernie,
I watched your interview with ITV at the weekend with the same eager sense of anticipation as any other lifelong fan of the sport.
I watched and I listened, but somehow I felt I'd heard it all before. No, not in the sense of you publicly admitting that you'd got it wrong, but in some other, somehow darker, way, and then it hit me.
Your attempt to convince us that things are going to change reminded me of a wife-beater following another vicious beating. "It will never happen again," he'll promise. "I swear I've learned my lesson." And all the time he'll be crying, but the tears are for him and him alone.
I like you Bernie, I really do, but I wasn't convinced by yesterday's performance, what I saw was a man trying to patch things up, trying to placate bruised and battered race fans and sponsors, a man desperate to make amends before the door finally slammed shut on 'the marriage'.
What was it that prompted this urge to 'testify', was it the falling TV figures, the lack of ticket sales for Indy or perhaps the GPWC's timely announcement that it was still working towards its own series in 2008?
Whatever it was, something caused you to change your tune, and how!
A couple of weeks ago you were telling us that racing is exciting but that we're watching it in the wrong way! Somehow this smacked of the same arrogance as Max, who had previously told us that strategy was all-important in F1 and that for the most part we'd imagined all that racing and overtaking during the sport's golden era.
To return to the wife beating analogy, some men can get away with it. They treat their women like garbage because they know she has nowhere to run, no place to hide. The beatings get harder and more frequent and as time goes on the man doesn't even bother going through the pretence of apologising, far less crying.
Yet thankfully in these enlightened times, some women are saying 'enough! I'm getting out of here!' And the man can only watch silently as his partner walks out the door never to return.
The problem is Bernie, you're surrounded by lackeys, cowardly lackeys to boot. You say jump, they say 'how high Mr E?' To a man, they are terrified of you and the power you wield.
Now you're old enough and wise enough to know that fear isn't respect, not by a long way. The media, the teams, the circuit owners, the drivers and the accountants have all been telling you: 'Yes Bernie', 'It's Great Bernie', 'Everything's hunky dory Bernie'. They had their heads so far up your arse all we could see was their little legs dangling out the back.
Suddenly though they can see that the writing's on the wall, the natives are getting restless and even your card-carrying media pals need to be seen to be writing something negative about the sport.. but not too negative eh!
As I said before, I like you and I respect you, however I don't fear you. That's why, along with the rest of the team here at pitpass I have constantly criticised the direction the sport's been taking. I do this not out of a desire to be different, nor to be seen as a trouble maker. I do it as someone who has stood out in all weathers watching my heroes, who has witnessed some of the true motor sport legends in action, as someone who still pays to attend Grand Prix and still gets a buzz when I see, let alone hear and smell one of those magnificent machines.
Let's get this straight Bernie, the situation you're talking about didn't come about overnight. In early July 1999 I wrote to you and attached the results of a poll I'd run on the site I was editing at that time.
This poll, which consisted of almost forty questions, was 'completed' by nearly 2000 readers and the results, which follow, mirror almost exactly the same problems you're talking about three years later.
In other words, this current crisis didn't happen overnight, it's been happening for years. What's wrong with F1 in 2002 isn't down to Ferrari or Michael Schumacher, it isn't down to TV or the Arrows saga, it's down to the failure of those that the run the sport to listen to it's audience.
It's down to the media, the teams, the drivers, the governing body and the even the sponsors to pay any attention to what was happening.
Yesterday's result at Indianapolis, though Ferrari fails to understand, showed the utter contempt in which Formula One holds its customers, the fans. After all, Formula One's customers are ultimately the customers of the sponsors who pick up the considerable tab for the sport. Make no mistake Bernie, you are on a slippery slope and once you start sliding it wont be easy to climb back up.
To deal briefly with yesterday's interview, yes let's do away with electronic aids. Can we please also do away with fuel stops, though tyre stops should remain if drivers want to make them. Can we also reduce the reliance on aerodynamic grip and move back towards mechanical grip, i.e. tyres.
On the subject of tyres, I do not agree with your idea for 'one make fits all'. Some of the best F1 racing has been as a direct result of the tyre wars. Apart from how you could convince/force one company to supply all the teams there is also the fact that F1 must be seen as the formula where the boundaries are being constantly pushed, admittedly within certain parameters. By restricting teams to V10s and other such measures you are effectively stifling what has always been seen as one of the most advanced and progressive forms of motorsport.
F1 must be seen as the ultimate, in every sense.
Form an advisory panel by all means, but give it teeth not a dummy, and ensure that the people actually driving and building the cars have their say, rather than the chauffeur driven bunch of lackeys we seem to have at present.
Bernie, give Tim Scott a ring and ask him to send you over a few F1 videos from the 70s and 80s. Put your feet up, get Slavica to make you a pitpass meatloaf and enjoy how racing used to be, how it should be.
Watch Dijon 79, Donington '93 or Imola '82.. see what I mean? It doesn't have to be digital, you don't need on-board cameras or even fancy graphics.. great racing will sell itself. It's racing that will get the public back not gimmicks.
OK, I've got things to do and I'm sure I've taken up enough of your time. I sent you the result of the poll back in July '99 but just in case you mislaid them here's a brief summary together with the introduction I wrote at that time.
Regards
One of the first things that strikes you as you read through the poll, is that our readers clearly know what they're talking about.
Following the incident filled race that was the Canadian GP, and the lottery of the recent French event, many sections of the media would have you believe that everything in the F1 garden is rosy. Magazines and web-sites, that should know better, trumpet that after the tedium of Spain, the sport has rediscovered the word excitement. Not so, say our pollsters, F1 is in trouble, and something has to be done.
Half of those polled have been following F1 for over ten years, and they don't like what's happening to the sport. However their complaints are not self-centred, the majority are more concerned with issues such as the quality of the racing and it's future, rather than their TV coverage.
Another fact that is quite apparent, is that F1 fans are extremely knowledgeable about the technical side of the sport, and their opinions regarding issues such as aerodynamics and mechanical grip are borne out by recent comments from various drivers and designers.
Year after year, the FIA's viewing figures, tell us that F1 is amongst the most watched sports on earth. However since it's launch, Digital F1 has not enjoyed anything like the success that it's initiator had hoped for. Indeed, if Bernie Ecclestone is concerned about the current lack of demand for his "brainchild", he will be even more concerned to learn that almost half of those polled have said they wont subscribe to pay per view.
Can it really be true that people find F1 boring and that almost a quarter of those polled believe a boycott is the only way to make the F1 establishment listen? Does any other sport have a global fan base which feels quite so disaffected?
The people who have taken the time to complete this questionnaire, are not "petrolheads" or "anoraks", indeed almost half have never been to a GP, whilst in many cases, F1 isn't even their favourite sport. However, these are the very people who have been attracted in recent years by the sports' accessibility through TV and the media. These are the product of the Max/Bernie marketing strategy and F1 ignores their opinion at its peril.
Perhaps the most interesting fact to emerge is that almost 90% of those questioned tell us that the history of the sport is important to them, yet how many times have we heard various people in F1 (including Ecclestone, Mosley and certain team bosses) say that there is no room in F1 for tradition.
The results of this poll should serve as a wake up call to those entrusted with the future of what should be the most exciting sport on earth. Unfortunately, in recent years, F1 has become a vast money making machine, and certain people have had their snouts so deep in the trough that they've become blissfully ignorant of what is happening around them.
Should F1 fans move onto new sports, should they choose to boycott races, where would that leave the precious sponsors that bankroll this high-octane pantomime?
The writing is on the wall, please act before it's too late.
7 July 1999
How long have you been watching F1?
1869 people answered this question
0 - 5 years 322 (17.2%)
5 - 10 years 594 (31.8%)
10 - 20 years 551 (29.5%)
20+ years 402 (21.5%)
In that time has F1 got better, worse or remained the same?
1844 people answered this question
Better 188 (10.2%)
Worse 1366 (74.1%)
Same 290 (15.7%)
If you could change 1 thing about F1, what would it be?
1778 People answered this question
405 (22.8%) Want to see more overtaking
312 (17.5%) Believe that grooved tyres are the problem
188 (10.6%) Believe that aerodynamics are the problem
184 (10.3%) Want to see more competition between the teams
148 (8.3%) Want less rules and regulations
143 (8%) Believe that F1's problems are down to Max/Bernie
87 (4.9%) Believe that TV coverage is the main issue
79 (4.4%) Want to see more excitement in F1
41 (2.3%) Believe that the circuits are to blame
36 (2%) Would like to see pit-stops abolished
36 (2%) Would like to see more attention given to fans needs
11 (0.6%) Want to see a return to real motor racing
11 (0.6%) Want to see more emphasis on driver skills
8 (0.4%) Believe that there is too much money in F1
7 (0.4%) Would like to see carbon brakes banned
5 (0.3%) Believe that politics are killing the sport
4 (0.2%) Believe the points system needs updating
73 (4.1%) Had other suggestions (see below)
Other suggestions include: Banning McLaren, banning Schumacher, reversing grid order, more regular use of the safety car, less testing, a GP for South Africa and banning Murray Walker!
Which of these issues, concerns you most?
36.9% Said the lack of overtaking
18.2% Said the lack of excitement
15.7% Said the difference between the top and bottom teams
15.5% Said the management of the sport
13.8% Said TV coverage
Do you feel that the F1 establishment is interested in your opinion?
1859 people answered this question
Yes 275 (14.8%)
No 1584 (85.2%)
If No, how do you feel you could make your views heard
1230 people answered this question
291 (23.7%) Said that fans should boycott 1 or more races
288 (23.4%) Said by means of a poll like this
203 (16.5%) Said by lobbying the FIA
158 (12.8%) Said that nothing can be done
66 (5.4%) Said by lobbying sponsors
56 (4.6%) Said that getting rid of Max Mosley is the answer
42 (3.4%) Said by buying into the sport
38 (3.1%) Said by lobbying the media
27 (2.2%) Said that Bernie Ecclestone is the problem
25 (2%) Said by turning to another form of motor sport
15 (1.2%) Said by re-organising the FIA
9 (0.7%) Suggested that the drivers need to speak up
8 (0.7%) Suggested that the teams need to speak up
2 (0.2%) Believe that terrorism is the only answer
1 (0.1%) Said by lobbying Murray Walker
1 (0.1%) Suggested prayer
Which of these ideas do you most agree with?
Reduce aerodynamic grip and return to mechanical grip 27.02%
A return to slick tyres 21.29%
Better circuit layouts, less chicanes etc 8.53%
Less regulations, teams free to develop their ideas 7.34%
Allow drivers/designers to suggest future regulations 7.23%
Improve TV coverage 4.20%
Top teams to sell chassis & share technology 3.09%
The FIA to be an independent body 2.59%
Ban Carbon brakes 2.49%
More races 2.31%
Entry for new teams to be made easier 2.27%
Limit the budgets of the top teams 2.05%
Ban pit stops 1.87%
Limit engine size, power etc 1.48%
Ban semi-automatic gearboxes 1.44%
Engine manufacturers to support 2 teams 1.38%
Limit fuel consumption 1.09%
Ban electronic aids 0.96%
Handicap faster cars 0.78%
Increase mimimum weight of cars 0.58%
Which idea do you least agree with?
Handicap faster cars 36.09%
Ban pit stops 16.89%
Limit engine size, power etc 9.38%
Top teams to sell chassis & share technology 5.85%
Limit the budgets of the top teams 4.86%
Less regulations, teams free to develop their ideas 4.58%
Limit fuel consumption 3.86%
Ban Carbon brakes 2.81%
Ban electronic aids 2.43%
Better circuit layouts, less chicanes etc 1.93%
Ban semi-automatic gearboxes 1.82%
More races 1.77%
Reduce aerodynamic grip and return to mechanical grip 1.71%
The FIA to be an independent body 1.16%
Improve TV coverage 1.05%
Increase mimimum weight of cars 0.99%
Allow drivers/designers to suggest future regulations 0.94%
Entry for new teams to be made easier 0.66%
Engine manufacturers to support 2 teams 0.61%
A return to slick tyres 0.61%
Is F1 your favourite Sport?
1854 people answered this question
Yes 1392 (75.1%)
No 462 (24.9%)
If no, what is your favourite sport?
487 people answered this question
CART 102 (20.9%)
Other Motor Sport 87 (17.9%)
Soccer 79 (16.2%)
Ice Hockey 39 (8%)
American Football 34 (7%)
Touring Cars 22 (4.5%)
Rugby 17 (3.5%)
Cricket 17 (3.5%)
Baseball 14 (2.9%)
Boxing 0 (0%)
Others 76 (15.6%)
Do most of your friends follow F1?
1860 people answered this question
Yes 674 (36.2%)
No 1186 (63.8%)
If no, why not?
1054 people answered this question
363 (34.4%) Because it's boring
256 (24.3%) Because they're simply not interested
90 (8.5%) Because it's not an American thing
77 (7.3%) Because it doesn't get much coverage
62 (5.9%) Because it's obscure and they don't understand it
49 (4.6%) Because F1 isn't exciting
42 (4%) Because CART/NASCAR is better
25 (2.4%) Because Football/Soccer is better
9 (0.9%) Because they can't relate to F1
8 (0.8%) Because it's not a Canadian thing
6 (0.6%) Because it's too technical
6 (0.6%) Because it's a man's sport
4 (0.4%) Because it's not an Australian thing
3 (0.3%) Because F1 is too European
2 (0.2%) Because it's not a Danish thing
2 (0.2%) Because hockey is better
1 (0.1%) Because it's not a Belgian thing
1 (0.1%) Because it's not a Chilean thing
48 (4.6%) Others
Who is your favourite driver of all time?
1787 people answered this question
In the interests of time and space we will only give the Top 10 choices.
Ayrton Senna 360 (20.1%)
Michael Schumacher 331 (18.5%)
Nigel Mansell 162 (9.1%)
Gilles Villeneuve 111 (6.2%)
Alain Prost 93 (5.2%)
Jim Clark 93 (5.2%)
Damon Hill 91 (5.1%)
Jacques Villeneuve 84 (4.7%)
Eddie Irvine 40 (2.2%)
Jackie Stewart 40 (2.2%)
Who do you think is the best driver of all time?
1716 people answered this question
In the interests of time and space we will only give the Top 20 choices.
Ayrton Senna 817 (47.6%)
Michael Schumacher 319 (18.6%)
Juan Manuel Fangio 181 (10.5%)
Alain Prost 118 (6.9%)
Jim Clark 92 (5.4%)
Stirling Moss 34 (2%)
Tazio Nuvolari 25 (1.5%)
Jackie Stewart 24 (1.4%)
Gilles Villeneuve 23 (1.3%)
Mario Andretti 19 (1.1%)
What was the best GP you ever saw - either live, on TV or on video?
1192 people answered this question
In the interests of time and space we will only give the Top 10 choices
Belgium 1998 141 (11.8%)
Europe 1993 (Donington) 73 %6.1%)
Europe 1997 (Jerez) 61 (5.1%)
France 1979 48 (4%)
Beligium 1995 41 (3.4%)
Canada 1998 39 (3.3%)
Monaco 1992 37 (3.1%)
Spain 1996 27 (2.3%)
Hungary 1997 22 (1.8%)
Monaco 1997 21 (1.8%)
Japan 1997 20 (1.7%)
Is there a GP in the country in which you live?
1860 people answered this question
Yes 1020 (54.8%)
No 840 (45.2%)
Other than Geography what would stop you attending a GP?
1545 people answered this question
High cost of race tickets, travel expenses etc 1280 (82.8%)
The poor quality of the racing 73 (4.7%)
Poor view, no contact with drivers, way fans are treated 72 (4.7%)
Lack of time 46 (3%)
It's better on TV 28 (1.8%)
The Crowds 18 (1.2%)
I'd prefer to watch other forms of motor sport 4 (0.3%)
The death of a friend/relative 4 (0.3%)
If my favourite driver wasn't doing well or participating 3 (0.2%)
It's poor value for money 3 (0.2%)
If Ferrari withdrew from F1 2 (0.1%)
Principle - I wouldn't give F1 my money 2 (0.1%)
The wife 2 (0.1%)
A wedding 1 (0.1%)
Family problems 1 (0.1%)
Goon like security 1 (0.1%)
I don't like Australians 1 (0.1%)
The attitude of Montrealers 1 (0.1%)
The attitude of F1 drivers 1 (0.1%)
The language barrier 1 (0.1%)
The weather 1 (0.1%)
How many Grand Prix have you been to?
1832 people answered this question
None 813 (44.4%)
1 GP 255 (13.9%)
2 GPs 194 (10.6%)
3 GPs 122 (6.7%)
4 GPs 70 (3.8%)
5 GPs 73 (4%)
6 - 10 GPs 167 (9.1%)
11 - 30 GPs 105 (5.7%)
31 - 50 GPs 17 (0.9%)
5+ GPs 16 (0.9%)
Do you have access to live GP TV coverage?
1859 people answered this question
Yes 1599 (86%)
No 260 914%)
Are you satisfied with the Coverage?
1850 people answered this question
Yes 607 (32.8%)
No 1243 (67.2%)
If not, why not?
1199 people answered this question
Poor coverage (direction, info, build up etc) 349 (29.1%)
Advertisement breaks 273 (22.8%)
Lack of on-board footage 173 (14.4%)
Poor commentators (uninformed, biased etc) 162 (13.5%)
Race not shown live but delayed and at odd times 115 (9.6%)
Only the race is shown - no qualifying or practice 99 (8.3%)
Murray Walker 28 (2.3%)
Is digital F1 coverage available in your country?
1850 people answered this question
Yes 398 (22.7%)
No 1357 (77.3%)
How much would you be willing to pay for Digital F1 - per GP (inc Practice & qualifying)?
1806 people answered this question
Would not pay for it 808 (44.7%)
Up to $5 406 (22.5%)
Up to $10 381 (21.1%)
$10+ 211 (11.7%)
Is the history of F1 important to you?
1855 people answered this question
Yes 1616 (87.1%)
No 239 (12.9%)
Do you buy F1 Magazines?
1858 people answered this question
Yes 1307 (70.3%)
No 551 (29.7%)
Do you buy F1 Videos?
1847 people answered this question
Yes 559 (30.3%)
No 1288 (69.7%)
How old are you?
1856 people answered this question
Up to 18 106 (5.7%)
19 - 29 652 (35.1%)
30 - 39 605 (32.6%)
40 - 49 312 (16.8%)
50 - 59 149 (8%)
60+ 32 (1.7%)
Where do you live?
1832 people answered this question - they represented 76 different countries
Are you male or female?
1842 people answered this question
Male 1691 (91.8%)
Female 151 (8.2%)