Last week things looked promising for the United States Grand Prix. There was a strong possibility Alexander Rossi would finally make his Formula 1 debut. There was a significant buzz amongst Formula 1 enthusiasts.
This buzz however, has died. The Caterham and Marussia F1 teams have gone into administration. The two teams are bleeding more money than they can earn. As a result, neither team will race in Sunday's United States Grand Prix.
Eighteen cars will start on Sunday. Down from twenty two last year and twenty four in 2012. That's not how you keep fans interested.
Of course, at least it's not the 2005 United States Grand Prix.
That's the race where Formula 1 lost all of it's appeal in the States. Six cars start the Grand Prix while every other team parks their cars due to safety concerns. Safety concerns that could have been resolved.
The only positive showing so far is NBC. Over the last week almost every NBC television program is screaming the United States Grand Prix. To show how much NBC wants the USGP to be a big deal, Lewis Hamilton was on the Today Show. The likelihood of any viewer even knowing who Matt Lauer was talking to is slim to none. Yet, it sure generates publicity.
Good publicity too. Something the race - and the sport - needs.
Saturday Practice and qualifying are going head to head with college football. If fans unfamiliar with Formula 1 and its history in the United States tune in, the mindset could change. It only works if NBC is successful.
This buzz however, has died. The Caterham and Marussia F1 teams have gone into administration. The two teams are bleeding more money than they can earn. As a result, neither team will race in Sunday's United States Grand Prix.
Eighteen cars will start on Sunday. Down from twenty two last year and twenty four in 2012. That's not how you keep fans interested.
Of course, at least it's not the 2005 United States Grand Prix.
That's the race where Formula 1 lost all of it's appeal in the States. Six cars start the Grand Prix while every other team parks their cars due to safety concerns. Safety concerns that could have been resolved.
The only positive showing so far is NBC. Over the last week almost every NBC television program is screaming the United States Grand Prix. To show how much NBC wants the USGP to be a big deal, Lewis Hamilton was on the Today Show. The likelihood of any viewer even knowing who Matt Lauer was talking to is slim to none. Yet, it sure generates publicity.
Good publicity too. Something the race - and the sport - needs.
Saturday Practice and qualifying are going head to head with college football. If fans unfamiliar with Formula 1 and its history in the United States tune in, the mindset could change. It only works if NBC is successful.
No comments:
Post a Comment