F1 gets back in the fast lane

I have always had a curious relationship with Formula One. As a sport with considerable British interest and influence, my partisan interest is always likely to manifest itself in vitriolic opinion that is not just without sufficient mechanical knowledge to adequately contribute to debate,but is blinded by the "support the local lad" mentality that is often the pre-cursor to my sporting involvement. However, this partisanship can only sustain me for a finite period, and its effect is often mitigated by the explicit presence of technology in the sport. My perception of sport is rooted in an age that pre-dates my own existence, iconic sporting images to me are Terry Butcher gushing claret against Sweden or Brett Lee desolate at the end of an Ashes Test. My belief that sport is more about blood and sweat than nuts and bolts has lead to F1 receiving a biased screening. The first race of this F1 season in Australia this weekend has however, may yet be my catalyst for re-evaluation.

Jenson Button's start to finish win in Melbourne gave the newly-formed Brawn GP a winning debut and the entire weekend indicated that the entire texture of the F1 hierarchy may be about to change. Ferrari's double retirement, coupled with with McLaren's apparent lack of pace, lead to Brawn and Red Bull emerging as the new front-runners. The re-distribution of pace has been partly attributed to an increased standardization of the cars amid a wave of amendments aimed at encouraging competitive racing. The tentative erosion of this engrained technological reliance should place greater emphasis on driver ability and lead to a championship that finds the best driver, regardless of his vehicle. Whilst extricating driver performance completely out of the team outout is impossible, amplifying the human contribution over the reliance on data may well lead to a greater appreciation of driving styles. Indeed, such was the relative apathy to Lewis Hamilton's driving ability, Chris Hoy was annointed as BBC Sports Personality of the year and picked up a knighthood to boot.

Another refreshing aspect of the Antipidean curtain-raiser was the very emergence of Brawn GP. Rising from the Ashes of the Honda team, Ross Brawn and Sir Richard Branson have fashioned a team that is competitive, and with Button and Barichello, harnesses the best part of 25 years driving experience. The ability to travel from inception to ultimate glory in the space of three weeks is unique to Formula One. If a similar journey was to be made in football, it would take decades and umpteen millions.The fact that Formula One offers a conducive template to those with aspirations keeps alive the nature of fair play and competition that modern sport needs to thrive and retain an audience. Amidst all of these undoubted improvements, the FIA have to ensure that these aren't tempered by a littany of protest and counter-protests about floppy wings.So whilst I will still watch Champions League finals that will increasingly have habitual English presence, I resolve to remove my blinkered F1 spectacles and engage in the sporting contest likely to unfold throughout the season.