HM The King Greets F1 Star Webber Ahead Of Bangkok Event

[webfact]

STREET OF KINGS

HM greets F1 Star Webber ahead of event

By Onravee Tangmeesang

Special to the Nation

Mark Webber may have spent much of his life in the fast lane, but time must have stood still for a while yesterday for the Formula One racer.

"Good luck for next year," His Majesty the King, making yet another rare public appearance, told Webber as the monarch came down from his hospital room to view the Red Bull Racing team's Formula One car on display at Siriraj Hospital.

The Australian also presented to the King a model F1 car.

Chalerm Yoovidhya, chairman of Red Bull Company in London, revealed that the King showed keen interest while viewing the car.

"We learned that HM the King has interest in Formula One racing. So we asked for permission to bring the car for him to view at close quarters.

"He asked about the competition and wanted to know the power of the car's engine," Chalerm said.

Webber will drive the car along Rajdamnoen Avenue this afternoon in the "Street of Kings Rajdamnoen Red Bull Bangkok 2010" show, which is expected to draw huge crowds.

HRH Princess Chulabhorn Valayalaksana will preside over the event. Red Bull and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) jointly organised it.

The event will comprise three parts.

The first part will be a parade of jazz music in honour of the beloved monarch, who himself has musical talent. Renowned jazz musician Sekpol Ounsamran, widely known as Mr Saxman, will lead the parade.

The second part features the Red Bull Best Wishes to the King. In this part are heartthrobs "Dome" Pakorn Lam and Ananda Everingham.

The third part includes a show run by Webber and Red Bull Drift Team Thailand. Actresses Patcharapa Chaichua and Sherman Boonyasak will be in the show too.

Having touched down in the capital early yesterday, Webber, along with Red Bull team officials, began the day by visiting Siriraj Hospital to sign a well-wishing book to HM the King. The presence of the Australian driver, who finished in the third spot in the recent World Driver's Championship season, attracted huge interest at the hospital, with fans scrambling for his photo and signature. Webber's team-mate Sebastian Vettel won the championship, while Red Bull itself won the Constructor's Championship.

The Red Bull team then returned to the Dusit Thani Hotel for a welcome lunch hosted by Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra. At the table, they were joined by Chalerm and Saravoot Yoovidhya, managing director of Red Bull Beverage.

Webber, 34, spoke of his pleasure at taking part in the event when the country was still celebrating of the King's birthday.

"It was a pleasure for me to be here and an exciting opportunity for myself and the team. I appreciate the work of everyone involved in making the historic event happen.

"I'm very excited about driving the car on the streets here tomorrow and would like to invite everyone to have a look."

The Street of Kings Rajdamnoen Red Bull Bangkok 2010 event is held to celebrate HM the King's birthday as well as to enhance Bangkok's image, showing people around the world that Thailand has returned to being a peaceful country.

With Bangkok hit by unseasonable rains during the week, the Australian dismissed the concern that the weather might ruin the event by confirming that the car was tuned to run under any condition. There was more good news for local fans after the organisers decided to increase the number of laps Webber would drive the car from two to four.

People can enjoy the show free of charge.

"The show run will stretch along Rajdamnoen Avenue to the Democracy Monument," Sukhumbhand said.

He believes the show will bolster Bangkok's image and boost the city's tourism.

Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner Maj-General Panu Kerdlarpphon yesterday said many roads would be closed to traffic for the event between 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

He also urged people to use public transport if they wanted to see the show because parking space was very limited.

Metropolitan Police Division 6 deputy commander Colonel Wanlop Prathummuang said more than 100 policemen would be deployed to facilitate traffic flow and ensure safety at the event.

-- The Nation 2010-12-18

[brahmburgers]

with all due respect to HM, I can't get behind F1 racing. I've been to a few races, years back (my uncle was a course official and took me to Brands Hatch and Silverstone a few times, waaay back in the 1960's). However, F1 racing is on the way out, and here's why:

1. Burns a lot of fossil fuel

2. Hyper commercial. All drivers and cars are plastered with decals over every square inch. That's what we'd like to see politician's do, though their clothes and vehicles don't have enough yardage to showcase all the companies that prop them up.

3. Marginally athletic skills are needed. Much like golf, it fits with the premise that: the less amount of stamina, the higher the pay-outs for contestants. Look at sports which require a whole lot of stamina & athletic skills: Iron Man/Triathlons and Rock climbing and marathons. Then look at how much they pay out compared with low-stamina sports like golf and F1 racing.

Edited December 18, 2010 by brahmburgers

[whybother]

with all due respect to HM, I can't get behind F1 racing. I've been to a few races, years back (my uncle was a course official and took me to Brands Hatch and Silverstone a few times, waaay back in the 1960's). However, F1 racing is on the way out, and here's why:

1. Burns a lot of fossil fuel

2. Hyper commercial. All drivers and cars are plastered with decals over every square inch. That's what we'd like to see politician's do, though their clothes and vehicles don't have enough yardage to showcase all the companies that prop them up.

3. Marginally athletic skills are needed. Much like golf, it fits with the premise that: the less amount of stamina, the higher the pay-outs for contestants. Look at sports which require a whole lot of stamina & athletic skills: Iron Man/Triathlons and Rock climbing and marathons. Then look at how much they pay out compared with low-stamina sports like golf and F1 racing.

I think you'll find that F1 driving takes an incredible amount of stamina.

[animatic]

with all due respect to HM, I can't get behind F1 racing. I've been to a few races, years back (my uncle was a course official and took me to Brands Hatch and Silverstone a few times, waaay back in the 1960's). However, F1 racing is on the way out, and here's why:

1. Burns a lot of fossil fuel

2. Hyper commercial. All drivers and cars are plastered with decals over every square inch. That's what we'd like to see politician's do, though their clothes and vehicles don't have enough yardage to showcase all the companies that prop them up.

3. Marginally athletic skills are needed. Much like golf, it fits with the premise that: the less amount of stamina, the higher the pay-outs for contestants. Look at sports which require a whole lot of stamina & athletic skills: Iron Man/Triathlons and Rock climbing and marathons. Then look at how much they pay out compared with low-stamina sports like golf and F1 racing.

I think you'll find that F1 driving takes an incredible amount of stamina.

Yes I have to agree with Whybother. My brother is a car racer, and I have taken his cars out, and they are nothing like F1 torque control and G-forces, and I came back knackered after a few laps.

F1 is one of the few earth bound things approaching Fighter piloting for stamina and strength needed to keep going, and the precisions of movements and concentration needed to control these torque monsters is not for the average person.It takes a lot of strength to do this and Schumacher was quoted as says it's so hot and so much work he loses 8-10 kilos per weekend race cycle. Which he then packs on again during the week.

Edited December 18, 2010 by animatic

[ratcatcher]

with all due respect to HM, I can't get behind F1 racing. I've been to a few races, years back (my uncle was a course official and took me to Brands Hatch and Silverstone a few times, waaay back in the 1960's). However, F1 racing is on the way out, and here's why:

1. Burns a lot of fossil fuel

2. Hyper commercial. All drivers and cars are plastered with decals over every square inch. That's what we'd like to see politician's do, though their clothes and vehicles don't have enough yardage to showcase all the companies that prop them up.

3. Marginally athletic skills are needed. Much like golf, it fits with the premise that: the less amount of stamina, the higher the pay-outs for contestants. Look at sports which require a whole lot of stamina & athletic skills: Iron Man/Triathlons and Rock climbing and marathons. Then look at how much they pay out compared with low-stamina sports like golf and F1 racing.

I think you'll find that F1 driving takes an incredible amount of stamina.

I usually agree with your posts Brahmburgers, but you got me on this one.

As an F1 fan, I am surprised you think it's on the way out since it is the most popular motor sporting event in the world.

1.Yes, it does burn a lot of fossil fuel, but so does WAR. I imagine what is burned by F1 cars in a year is less than the fuel for American military vehicles in one day around the world?

2. Yes, it is commercialized and always has been, since sponsors provide much of the money needed for research which in turn is passed on to the car manufacturers who build the cars we drive. Most safety improvements we take for granted were once part of F1 research.

As long as there are rich men willing to provide the Hobitt, Ecclestone, with money, there will be F1, but Bernie is very old and who will succeed him at the head of the corrupt organization?

3. I hardly think men like Michael Schumacher,Sebastian Vettel, Mark Webber, Jenson Button & Lewis Hamilton, plus all other drivers, would appreciate being called 'marginally athletic' since they have to be at the very peak of fitness. OK they are only in the car for less than two hours on race day, but then there are the hundreds of hours of behind the scenes training, testing, practice etc that few see. I only wish I was as quarter fit as Schumacher and half as wealthy.

That's my ten liters worth.

[MaiDong]

with all due respect to HM, I can't get behind F1 racing. I've been to a few races, years back (my uncle was a course official and took me to Brands Hatch and Silverstone a few times, waaay back in the 1960's). However, F1 racing is on the way out, and here's why:

1. Burns a lot of fossil fuel

2. Hyper commercial. All drivers and cars are plastered with decals over every square inch. That's what we'd like to see politician's do, though their clothes and vehicles don't have enough yardage to showcase all the companies that prop them up.

3. Marginally athletic skills are needed. Much like golf, it fits with the premise that: the less amount of stamina, the higher the pay-outs for contestants. Look at sports which require a whole lot of stamina & athletic skills: Iron Man/Triathlons and Rock climbing and marathons. Then look at how much they pay out compared with low-stamina sports like golf and F1 racing.

1. New regulations coming into the sport in 2013 allowing for a 1.6 litre turbo-charged efficient engine make the engine one of the most fuel efficient in worldwide motorsports, probably more efficient than a lot of road cars on our roads today.

2. I don't see your issue with this, care to explain?

3. Absolute rubbish, these cars produce upto and beyond 5G, similar to that of fighter pilot gravitational forces, the drivers are all known to be great athletes, frequently running marathons, participating in triathlons & generally being athletes. Can you imagine being thrown around a tiny space, in 40c heat, for up to 2 hours? I'd call that stamina. All you need to do is WATCH A RACE and you might come to appreciate the amounts of stamina involved /EDIT - I just read again and you have been to a few races, perhaps you didn't look...

Yet again, a complete lack of understanding of the sport.

Edited December 18, 2010 by MaiDong

[MaiDong]

F1 racing is on the way out, and here's why:

Tell that to the 500m people who watched it in 2009 - granted there was a slump in viewing figure for that year, compared to the previous year - that probably had something to do with the controversies during the season or contractual/business bitchiness or Buttons dominance and expected triumph(which I enjoyed massively)

But wait for the viewing figures for 2010, I'm sure they will be up again.

To say F1 is on its way out is a little bit silly

[MaiDong]

Anyhow, I for one will be there this afternoon, it'll be the first time I've seen/heard an F1 car in the flesh, I've never had the opportunity to go to a race and may never have the chance either, but I've always been incredibly excited by F1 - Just as the expected large crowds will be today!

Any ideas on a good vantage point for this even? It seems only the Hi-So's have elevated seating, the rest of us will have to fight our way to the front or be happy with the sounds

[Pi Sek]

I personally don't like F1 at all. I also don't really like racing sports in general - but Moto GP has its moments, especially in the 125cc & 250cc classes.

But, like the other posts, I have to disagree with Brahmburgers, who is one of those posters who usually posts very insightful stuff. F1 definitely requires major stamina (as others have said above, the physical conditions are similar to piloting military jet fighters). I'm also not really why the commercialism is a problem, sponsorship is part of any sport. And the fossil fuel stuff - I can't see that as being a major factor in the future of the sport, although F1 is allegedly trying to streamline its carbon emissions.

I am of course very pleased that HM The King is getting out. He's had a hard ride over the last 5 years or so, and it's great to see his healthy interest in world sport and enthusiasm in details like engine power.

[bitterbatter]

I am so looking forward to my first chance to see a real formula one car in action. On my way there now.

[Insight]

Brahmburgers, if you want to get an idea of the levels of physical and mental stamina required for F1, put yourself on a go-kart track for an hour or so. If you don't work out regularly you'll be pretty stiff the next day.

[hanuman1]

What a PR coup for Red Bull. Their logo plastered all over a car next to the king. I'm surprised this was allowed, to be honest.

Either PR genius or an example of commercialization creeping ever further into even the most revered facets of life in Thailand, depending on your viewpoint.

[reason1]

Having been a Skydiver, Hang Glider Pilot, Pilot, SCUBA Diver, Biker, ++ I have nothing but disdain for those who wish to diminish the fun in this increasingly duller world and I include those who wish for sex only in full body armor. F1 is great stuff, dull if you are in the crowd just getting the sound smell and a micro second of view so a Box job is best with a glass in one hand and a chick in the other.

[Gers1873]

with all due respect to HM, I can't get behind F1 racing. I've been to a few races, years back (my uncle was a course official and took me to Brands Hatch and Silverstone a few times, waaay back in the 1960's). However, F1 racing is on the way out, and here's why:

1. Burns a lot of fossil fuel

2. Hyper commercial. All drivers and cars are plastered with decals over every square inch. That's what we'd like to see politician's do, though their clothes and vehicles don't have enough yardage to showcase all the companies that prop them up.

3. Marginally athletic skills are needed. Much like golf, it fits with the premise that: the less amount of stamina, the higher the pay-outs for contestants. Look at sports which require a whole lot of stamina & athletic skills: Iron Man/Triathlons and Rock climbing and marathons. Then look at how much they pay out compared with low-stamina sports like golf and F1 racing.

I think you'll find that F1 driving takes an incredible amount of stamina.

Massive amounts of physical stamina involved. I remember a program in the UK many years back where sportsmen from different disciplines competed against each other in various sporting events. One F1 guy - don't remember whom kicked the ass of a few better known athletes.

I'm not a huge F1 fan(prefer bikes) but I don't see a demise of the sport. Besides a lot of F1 safety technological advances find their way into the boxes we drive today --- hopefully that will continue.

[drdoom6996]

with all due respect to HM, I can't get behind F1 racing. I've been to a few races, years back (my uncle was a course official and took me to Brands Hatch and Silverstone a few times, waaay back in the 1960's). However, F1 racing is on the way out, and here's why:

1. Burns a lot of fossil fuel

2. Hyper commercial. All drivers and cars are plastered with decals over every square inch. That's what we'd like to see politician's do, though their clothes and vehicles don't have enough yardage to showcase all the companies that prop them up.

3. Marginally athletic skills are needed. Much like golf, it fits with the premise that: the less amount of stamina, the higher the pay-outs for contestants. Look at sports which require a whole lot of stamina & athletic skills: Iron Man/Triathlons and Rock climbing and marathons. Then look at how much they pay out compared with low-stamina sports like golf and F1 racing.

Burns fossil fuel--as you and I do, it's not going away soon and there is no shortage

Hyper commercial--like all other sports

Marginal athletic skills--I suppose footballers are the only sports personnel with any kind of stamina. You should be better informed

[Basil B]

Gas guzzling...

As of 2013 greener F1

The FIA's World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) has approved new regulations which will see the 2.4 litre V8s currently used by Formula One teams replaced by four cylinder 1.6 litre engines from 2013. The decision to give the go-ahead to the changes follows lengthy discussions between the FIA, engine manufacturers and specialists

Full story: http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2010/12/11597.html

Would love to see F1 in Thailand, been down to Sapang KL twice but now that is getting expensive, understand Thailand did enter into negotiations with "Bernie Megabucks" but when he realised that the custom guys were going to make more then him with 80% import duty on the cars, discussions broke down.

With so many Circuits world wide I would love to see a new formula using a alternative fuel like hydrogen.

[bkk_mike]

If the burning of fossil fuels is such an issue, they could do the same as Indycar and switch to using ethanol.

If Greenhouse gas emissions are an issue, it should be pointed out that the London Marathon produces more CO2 than every Formula One race in the season combined (including practices, and transport of the vehicles around the world.)

[Nawtier]

Can't wait till Bangkok holds its own F1 race.

[dominique355]

with all due respect to HM, I can't get behind F1 racing. I've been to a few races, years back (my uncle was a course official and took me to Brands Hatch and Silverstone a few times, waaay back in the 1960's). However, F1 racing is on the way out, and here's why:

1. Burns a lot of fossil fuel

2. Hyper commercial. All drivers and cars are plastered with decals over every square inch. That's what we'd like to see politician's do, though their clothes and vehicles don't have enough yardage to showcase all the companies that prop them up.

3. Marginally athletic skills are needed. Much like golf, it fits with the premise that: the less amount of stamina, the higher the pay-outs for contestants. Look at sports which require a whole lot of stamina & athletic skills: Iron Man/Triathlons and Rock climbing and marathons. Then look at how much they pay out compared with low-stamina sports like golf and F1 racing.

Did you know that any football game uses the same amount if not more fossil fuel? From spectators, air-con in these huge American indoor stadiums, etc?

So allow me to doubt your statement. Use of fossil fuel is certainly NOT making F1 to disappear, just like using rubber is not making 100 m running go away.

Obviously I have no clue. F1 drivers are among the fittest athletes in the world of sport. Just try 6 laps on a race track and tell me how you are doing.

Edited December 18, 2010 by dominique355

[Tywais]

Formula One drivers are some of the most highly conditioned athletes on earth, their bodies specifically adapted to the very exacting requirements of top-flight single-seater motor racing.

All drivers who enter Formula One need to undergo a period of conditioning to the physical demands of the sport: no other race series on earth requires so much of its drivers in terms of stamina and endurance. The vast loadings that Formula One cars are capable of creating, anything up to a sustained 3.5 g of cornering force, for example, means drivers have to be enormously strong to be able to last for full race distances. The extreme heat found in a Formula One cockpit, especially at the hotter rounds of the championship, also puts vast strain on the body: drivers can sweat off anything up to 3kg of their body weight during the course of a race.

Formual 1 Driver fitness

[merlen10002]

with all due respect to HM, I can't get behind F1 racing. I've been to a few races, years back (my uncle was a course official and took me to Brands Hatch and Silverstone a few times, waaay back in the 1960's). However, F1 racing is on the way out, and here's why:

1. Burns a lot of fossil fuel

2. Hyper commercial. All drivers and cars are plastered with decals over every square inch. That's what we'd like to see politician's do, though their clothes and vehicles don't have enough yardage to showcase all the companies that prop them up.

3. Marginally athletic skills are needed. Much like golf, it fits with the premise that: the less amount of stamina, the higher the pay-outs for contestants. Look at sports which require a whole lot of stamina & athletic skills: Iron Man/Triathlons and Rock climbing and marathons. Then look at how much they pay out compared with low-stamina sports like golf and F1 racing.

Why post post something here when you know nothing about it, the development of the cars people drive today is mostly tested by motor racing, F1 and motor racings value to the modern car can not be calculated it is so great, and the fuel eficiency also, to say that the F1 drivers are not fit is just stupid, the new world champion only recently competed in a real Triathlon and posted a very respectable time coming in front of a number of regular competitors, and it was a major event not a micky mouse affair, all F1 drivers have serious fitness program to be the superb athletes they are, and only a few humans have the driving skill to be F1 drivers, your comment about ,, Burns a lot of fossil fuel,, is a real no brainer, how could you get all three points you make so wrong.

[merlen10002]

with all due respect to HM, I can't get behind F1 racing. I've been to a few races, years back (my uncle was a course official and took me to Brands Hatch and Silverstone a few times, waaay back in the 1960's). However, F1 racing is on the way out, and here's why:

1. Burns a lot of fossil fuel

2. Hyper commercial. All drivers and cars are plastered with decals over every square inch. That's what we'd like to see politician's do, though their clothes and vehicles don't have enough yardage to showcase all the companies that prop them up.

3. Marginally athletic skills are needed. Much like golf, it fits with the premise that: the less amount of stamina, the higher the pay-outs for contestants. Look at sports which require a whole lot of stamina & athletic skills: Iron Man/Triathlons and Rock climbing and marathons. Then look at how much they pay out compared with low-stamina sports like golf and F1 racing.

Why post post something here when you know nothing about it, the development of the cars people drive today is mostly tested by motor racing, F1 and motor racings value to the modern car can not be calculated it is so great, and the fuel eficiency also, to say that the F1 drivers are not fit is just stupid, the new world champion only recently competed in a real Triathlon and posted a very respectable time coming in front of a number of regular competitors, and it was a major event not a micky mouse affair, all F1 drivers have serious fitness program to be the superb athletes they are, and only a few humans have the driving skill to be F1 drivers, your comment about ,, Burns a lot of fossil fuel,, is a real no brainer, how could you get all three points you make so wrong.

Sorry I think it may have been Nico Rosberg not Sebastian Vettel doing the Triathlon, but all F1 drivers are very fit athletes.

[robert00]

with all due respect to HM, I can't get behind F1 racing. I've been to a few races, years back (my uncle was a course official and took me to Brands Hatch and Silverstone a few times, waaay back in the 1960's). However, F1 racing is on the way out, and here's why:

1. Burns a lot of fossil fuel

2. Hyper commercial. All drivers and cars are plastered with decals over every square inch. That's what we'd like to see politician's do, though their clothes and vehicles don't have enough yardage to showcase all the companies that prop them up.

3. Marginally athletic skills are needed. Much like golf, it fits with the premise that: the less amount of stamina, the higher the pay-outs for contestants. Look at sports which require a whole lot of stamina & athletic skills: Iron Man/Triathlons and Rock climbing and marathons. Then look at how much they pay out compared with low-stamina sports like golf and F1 racing.

Mate, you are way out,F1 is getting stronger from year to year, with almost every year a new country added to the racing calendar,

I for one cant wait to see the 2011 season started.

[robert00]

with all due respect to HM, I can't get behind F1 racing. I've been to a few races, years back (my uncle was a course official and took me to Brands Hatch and Silverstone a few times, waaay back in the 1960's). However, F1 racing is on the way out, and here's why:

1. Burns a lot of fossil fuel

2. Hyper commercial. All drivers and cars are plastered with decals over every square inch. That's what we'd like to see politician's do, though their clothes and vehicles don't have enough yardage to showcase all the companies that prop them up.

3. Marginally athletic skills are needed. Much like golf, it fits with the premise that: the less amount of stamina, the higher the pay-outs for contestants. Look at sports which require a whole lot of stamina & athletic skills: Iron Man/Triathlons and Rock climbing and marathons. Then look at how much they pay out compared with low-stamina sports like golf and F1 racing.

Why post post something here when you know nothing about it, the development of the cars people drive today is mostly tested by motor racing, F1 and motor racings value to the modern car can not be calculated it is so great, and the fuel eficiency also, to say that the F1 drivers are not fit is just stupid, the new world champion only recently competed in a real Triathlon and posted a very respectable time coming in front of a number of regular competitors, and it was a major event not a micky mouse affair, all F1 drivers have serious fitness program to be the superb athletes they are, and only a few humans have the driving skill to be F1 drivers, your comment about ,, Burns a lot of fossil fuel,, is a real no brainer, how could you get all three points you make so wrong.

Well said mate.

[sbk]

Off topic posts deleted. Lets try to keep it relevant, thanks

And if anyone gets any pics please post them here! vroom vroom!

[robert00]

Can't wait till Bangkok holds its own F1 race.

Wouldn't that be fun and would really draw Tourist's if not a lot of ex pats from all over south east Asia.

[MaiDong]

Just got back, what a crush! Well worth it though, we were in there like tinned sardines and only got fleeting climpses of Mark Webber in his machine but WOW what a noise, what a rush, I'm deffinately going to Malaysia next season to watch the race, can't wait!

[willseyboy]

F1 drivers need to have more stamina then most sportsman. They gym it up more then most sportsman.

3 Laps in a formula 1 car without the correct training and physical practice will turn your neck to jelly.

In Jenson Buttons spare time he competes in triathlons.

I personally think F1 is getting better and better and the season which has just gone was amazing.

Cant wait until the 13th of March for the season to begin again.

[mr_lob]

Great to see HRH out in public :jap:

[rbrick49]

with all due respect to HM, I can't get behind F1 racing. I've been to a few races, years back (my uncle was a course official and took me to Brands Hatch and Silverstone a few times, waaay back in the 1960's). However, F1 racing is on the way out, and here's why:

1. Burns a lot of fossil fuel

2. Hyper commercial. All drivers and cars are plastered with decals over every square inch. That's what we'd like to see politician's do, though their clothes and vehicles don't have enough yardage to showcase all the companies that prop them up.

3. Marginally athletic skills are needed. Much like golf, it fits with the premise that: the less amount of stamina, the higher the pay-outs for contestants. Look at sports which require a whole lot of stamina & athletic skills: Iron Man/Triathlons and Rock climbing and marathons. Then look at how much they pay out compared with low-stamina sports like golf and F1 racing.

I think you'll find that F1 driving takes an incredible amount of stamina.

I usually agree with your posts Brahmburgers, but you got me on this one.

As an F1 fan, I am surprised you think it's on the way out since it is the most popular motor sporting event in the world.

1.Yes, it does burn a lot of fossil fuel, but so does WAR. I imagine what is burned by F1 cars in a year is less than the fuel for American military vehicles in one day around the world? and what about Ayton senna the greatest of all time in my book Mark Webber will be great to as I am An Aussie dont forget Jacki Stewart,Jack Brabham,stirling moss

2. Yes, it is commercialized and always has been, since sponsors provide much of the money needed for research which in turn is passed on to the car manufacturers who build the cars we drive. Most safety improvements we take for granted were once part of F1 research.

As long as there are rich men willing to provide the Hobitt, Ecclestone, with money, there will be F1, but Bernie is very old and who will succeed him at the head of the corrupt organization?

3. I hardly think men like Michael Schumacher,Sebastian Vettel, Mark Webber, Jenson Button & Lewis Hamilton, plus all other drivers, would appreciate being called 'marginally athletic' since they have to be at the very peak of fitness. OK they are only in the car for less than two hours on race day, but then there are the hundreds of hours of behind the scenes training, testing, practice etc that few see. I only wish I was as quarter fit as Schumacher and half as wealthy.

That's my ten liters worth.

Edited December 18, 2010 by rbrick49