What is the appeal of F1

[Mark Ward]

I've just watched the CART from Detroit on TV today and after 250 laps @ 200mph + there was almost a photo finish with 1st and second swapping places for at least the last 20 laps - This was real racing
Can someone enlighten me ????

[EERO]

Welcome Mark. Its a good question and I honestly don't know if I could answer it to my own satisfaction. I know some of the other loonies on this site will give it a go, but for a short and simple answer, here goes:
It isn't just about the racing, because as you've pointed out, CART put on a magnicent spectacle yesterday, the likes of which we haven't seen in F1 for years. I will point out that the start of the race was not broadcast because "some golf match" ran over on the TV schedule, and the stands in Michegan looked to be empty. How is it that F1 manages to atract in contrast, such a large and passionate audience?
I think for me at least, the romance of the sport is its most compelling aspect. Yes, I know, the wild lifesytyles and carefree attitudes that prevailed in the 50-70's are long gone, but the romance lingers. I like the International aspect of the Sport-of course as CART expands its series around the world , F1's claim to exclusivity in that domain will cease. But there remains in my mind, a sense that it is a window into a much bigger and more varied world than we have in the States. It is apparently more glamourous, the Cars more sophisticated and delicate and refined. Ulimately, it is a Eurocentric Sport and to a kid growing up in Suburban America during the the 60's and 70's, it was a lot more magical than sprint cars on a dirt oval.
Perhaps for my own part, old habits die hard, but there was a time when any information was almost impossible to find, and was coveted. This I am sure contributed to the sense of mystery and grandeur that I felt-but I still feel the same way. Is it always great racing, No. But is it a fascinating world of intrigue, politics, technical innovation, and romantic sensebility.

[KC]

As a huge racing fan in general and an American I will offer up my two cents.

Formula 1 represents to me the very best in technical expertise directed toward motorsports. If this is what is good for the sport is another matter.

The drivers are arguably some of the best in the world.

The manufacturers also represent some of the best automakers in the world.

While other series regularly produce better racing and a much better show, none have the pure pageantry and pre-race hype that F1 oozes.

No other series has the same history and tradition.

I love motor racing. As F1 is one of the highest profile forms I follow it.

[Gerard]

I think EERO and KC have put it into words excellently.
I'm not going to let go of something I've been following since 1963. (Yes, I know, I'm old!)
Formula One isn't what it used to be but it certainly isn't the worst of motorracing.

[Mr.S]

it certainly isn't the worst of motorracing.

Leave NASCAR out of this -Im gonna get flack for that one!

[Gerard]

Actually, I really like Nascar.

[Valve Bounce]

I know I will be crucified for this post, but here goes.
First of all, F1 has Ferrari. That, in itself, creates an aura that attracts an army of followers of one-eyed fanatics who would put Collingwood supporters to shame.
Secondly, F1 has the best drivers in teh world.
Thirdly, F1 has the greatest development of machinery within (and sometimes outside) the confines of any set of motor racing regulations.
Fourthly, there are the Ms lovers and the MS haters fighting with the McLaren haters and the McLaren lovers, as witnessed on the Atlas and the Ddaily BB's.
Having said all this, if you want to watch a spectacle, I can thoroughly recommend Motor Cycle racing, and the race last weekend must have been one of the most spectacular.

[Sharky]

For me what does it is not the race itself but the super high technology, the developments.....plus all that happens behind the scenes. The speculation, the controversial declarations...the super high budgets!! the glamour.....But when I want to see "racing" I usually watch CART or some touring category.

[E5C4P3]

I like both CART and F1. The design of the champ cars allow for more exciting racing. However, F1 still has the best circuits. I love F1 because of the tracks. It is so exciting to see on-board camera footage of a hot qualification or race lap.

[Liz]

I like the tracks of F1 and I like some of the pilotes. But CART is better racing and the pilotes are cuter.

I watch them both. They're both open wheel racing and I love open wheel racing almost as much as I love LMP Prototypes.

[Unknown Soldier]

Alot of people always compare the two series but the way I see it is that F1 and CART are both great. Just sit back and enjoy the racing

Although F1 has much better pit babes

Thank You

[Mr.S]

We can all thank Eddie Jordan for that! You wouldn't belive where I have seen that "Buzzin Hornet"

[Roy2]

...it is a window into a much bigger and more varied world... Wow! That says it EERO.

[Valve Bounce]

NOT A BITE, NOT A SINGLE BITE. I THOUGHT I WOULD HAVE INCURRED THE WRATH OF the entire BB with that post. What the heck. So here goes one final shot: We have Murray in F1, and that says it all. Carna Bombers!!!

[Crash Test]

THATS IT VALVE BOUNCE!!!

The bombers suck!!!! What? they've won every game this season? Oh ok, i'll shut up...

Go the Fitzroy Lions!! Oh....

But i think you hit the nail on the head...

[Valve Bounce]

Sorry Crash, but Fitzroy is no longer. I will go to the Gabba this weekend and cheer for the Brisbane Lions, mate!! The point I made and which got absolutely no response is that without Ferrari, F1 will lose more than half its supporters, and the attraction and glamour will suddenly decrease. Like them or not, nobody wants to see Ferrari down, and everyone loves to see Ferrari competive, even when they support other teams.

[robk1982]

It scares me that some people are able to watch cars travel around an oval circuit for 200-300 laps. Formula one has 5 things that carts don't.
1)Ferrari
2)Michael Shumacher
3)Murray Walker
4)Monaco
5)The History
It seems these things keep people interested, even though the racing over the past few years has been dull.
The CARTS have none of these.

[angst]

I love it more for the memories I have of it. I think we all wait desparately wanting a huge change in the regulations, so we can get back to the days when F1 was about the best drivers and the best cars RACING. Oh, if only....

[E5C4P3]

robk1982;

I think that a majority of CART fans prefer the road/street circuits to the ovals. I wish CART would drop the majority of the ovals (except for maybe Fontana and Chicago).

[botsquad]

here the diff. whoever wins the f1 world championship this year will not be hot to get a cart ride next season.

the winner of the cart points title this season be all over his agent to get him an f1 test.

as good as cart is. it's second tier.

neckcar is good racing too. but it's just a carnie sideshow compared to f1.

[Crash Test]

"Sorry Crash, but Fitzroy is no longer. I will go to the Gabba this weekend and cheer for the Brisbane Lions, mate!!"
-I wish i could, but im going to the trucks at QR...oh, this is the F1 forum...

Ummm, go Forti!!

[Liz]

The CART guys don't want to go to F1 for the racing. They want to go for the money and the apartment in Monaco and the chance to meet movie stars.

Not that there's anything wrong with that. But it ain't racing.

[Valve Bounce]

Did the Z-Man meet that many movie stars at Monaco? Well, if he did, then his time at Williams wasn't totally miss-spent.

[AL Racing]

Originally posted by Valve Bounce
Fourthly, there are the Ms lovers and the MS haters fighting with the McLaren haters and the McLaren lovers, as witnessed on the Atlas and the Ddaily BB's.

yeah sure, hate makes F1 great...

[Valve Bounce]

No Al, it doesn't. And you are correct in pulling me up on that point. What I focussed on was the interest, misguided at best, that this creates on other BB's. The lack of vitriol is one reason I am so interested in this BB and the friends here. My post was tongue in cheek, to say hte least, so I hope you will come back and maybe comment on the Collingwood supporters!! Carna Bombers!!