28/02/2005
NEWS STORY
It's about this time that the mainstream print media, certainly in Britain, rediscovers Formula One, and gives it the sort of OTT coverage it usually receives when a British driver is winning, or, better still, there's a horrendous accident.
Almost all the main British newspapers will this week issue their own 'Guide to the 2005 F1 Season', aimed, in reality, at Max Mosley's old mucker, 'man down the pub'.
Naturally, there are lots of pictures of Jenson Button, while Eddie Jordan also appears to be everywhere, even though he'll be in Dubai playing golf whilst his 'old team' is racing around Albert Park.
However, it's Mark Webber's guide to the tracks - in The Guardian's guide to the 2005 season, that gives an indication of just how ludicrous our sport has become - don't forget the aim of these guides is to sell the sport to the people.
The Australian, gives 'bite-size' comments on various aspects of each circuit including a description of the overtaking possibilities.
It makes depressing reading.
Melbourne: It's very difficult to pass at Albert Park.
Sepang: There are few chances.
Bahrain: Into Turn 1 and maybe Turn 4
Imola: It's pretty difficult really
Barcelona: Only one spot, into the first corner.
Monaco: Overtaking is impossible
Nurburgring: Only at the first corner
Montreal: The far hairpin
Indianapolis: At the end of the start/finish straight
Magny Cours: Aside from the Adelaide hairpin, you can also pass into the last corner
Silverstone: Into Stowe
Hockenheim: Turn Two or the new hairpin
Hungaroring: Overtaking at the Hungaroring is extremely difficult
Istanbul: I need a few more goes on my computer
Monza: At the first chicane
Spa: The top of Les Combes and into the Bus Stop chicane
Interlagos: Into the first corner
Suzuka: Going into the chicane
Shanghai: Into the hairpin at the end of the long back straight