I have updated this post after the GP of Europe (See the last post for the continuing conversation)


I think that it is interesting that CBS will air the F1 San Marino GP from Imola at 13:00 EDT on the CBS network on Sunday.

F1 on American network TV? What is the world coming too?

What do you think? Is there hope for F1 in the American market now that Scott Speed is an American driver in F1 again, since Michael Andretti's departure a few years ago.

What do you think is the reason that CBS is airing and F1 race?

 

Because they've got nothing better to show that they believe will attract more viewers. I suspect that they also are hoping that Americans will discover F-1 racing and become a big audience. I think they'll be disappointed.

 

This time Rob, I will be the one to disagree to some extent. With the new rule changes for the 2006 season, F1 racing is exciting again. No more of "who is going to be second racing", when Michael Schumacher ruled.

Throw in the talented young American driver Scott Speed, who has had "respectable" performances in his first three races and shows promise. I think this may have the same makings of Ford's involvement in Group 7 racing at LeMans in the mid sixties. It just might be the right ingredients to get Americans interested in F1.

All though, I am not holding my breath.

 

Matt,

I'm not denying that F-1 might be exciting again, I'm simply saying that in general CBS is hoping to find that Americans will be interested in F-1 racing and that I think they are going to be disappointed. I don't think Americans will watch F-1 in any large numbers.

 

I love the three hour long coverage of F-1, and hope that continues no matter who carries the event.

Maybe the question should be: is Bernie Ecclestone good for the sport?

 

I am afraid that if I pull out a cruifix I will be chastised.

 

Actually, I think it would be better if a specialized cable channel would carry the race. F-1 is not big with American audiences and probably never will be. On network TV it is prone to the whims of ratings and may or may not get continuous coverage. On a specialize cable channel with a dedicated following, it would hit its market and always be covered.

 

Will America rediscover F1?

It

 

Already televised here in Canada, but I won't give it away here....

Let's just say that Dave is right on the money when he says that there are 4 top teams and a handful of drivers competing this year....

 

Schumi won.!!!