We Don't Know How Bad We Got It.

I wonder if Formula One fans realise how restricted the coverage given to us is.

Currently waiting during the red flag period during the Autoclub 500 Nascar race which Sky are showing via US coverage. Seeing it makes me shake my head about elements of the Formula coverage that we get. First example is the split screen to coverage two parts of the race, or replays. How many times have we sat in an F1 race and the television coverage is switched to something we don't need to see. Why don't we have split screen for that sort of situation, to keep us apprised of the race lead and whatever else needs to be shown? US race coverage has been using this for years.
There is also the marker system that commentators can use to point out specific things to the viewers. Another handy bit of technology that isn't around in Formula One. Something as simple as that to help make a point we don't have over here.

It does make you wonder. For all the wonders and the bragging that Formula One does about been the most high-tech sport in the world and we lack the sort of diversity to help enhance the viewing pleasures for us, the fans.

Of course those who broadcast could learn a lesson or two. As long time readers know I have long been harsh of the sub-standard coverage now offered by all but one of the ITV Sport team.

They too could learn from their American counterparts. ITV Spot puppy dog eye the home talent and their ass kissing extends to barking at anyone who enters their personal space. There is none of this bias in the coverage over in the US. Each driver is given equal treatment in their coverage. There is no 90% talk of one specific driver just because of his nationality even if he's having a bad day. That does maybe give you an idea of the F1 fan that ITV Sport is trying to court. The term is 'fair-weather' fans. Ones that just show up because they have been told to because there is someone successful to latch their success on to. Seen it way to many times in football, best example was Beckham's move to Real Madrid that prompted everyone to start wearing Madrid jerseys. History repeated with his move to America when LA Galaxy jerseys started propping up in sports stores over here.

If there is something technical to discuss, well FOX have a mock car that they can tell the viewers exactly what they are talking about. We just have to rely on descriptive wording. If pre-race bits can be done with real cars, surely they could arrange to have a replica on site to give fans an idea to the more technical aspects of a car. Or is that asking too much?

Why can't we receive unbias coverage that depends on fans for the love of the sport? It would be so much better to watch. How come we receive inferior coverage when other sports get it? F1 is supposed to be the pinnacle of motorsports. It's about time it started acting like it.