General F1 news

[KNAPPO]

Too much time masturbating into a mirror.

You might be right there.

[Big Kev]

Formula 1 global fan survey results revealed at Monaco Grand Prix

May 26th, 2017, Monaco – Fans of Formula 1 across the globe are optimistic about the future of the sport according to the findings from Motorsport Network’s Global Fan Survey – the largest ever conducted in the sport.

Launched at the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix in March, the Global Fan Survey was conducted by Motorsport Network in conjunction with sports research experts Nielsen Sports – part of Nielsen Holdings; the global information, data, and measurement experts.

More than 19 million data points across all aspects of Formula 1 were recorded in the 2017 survey including the size and demographics of the sport’s audience, fan disposition and attitudes towards the sport, their affinity for races, teams, drivers and their consumption of racing as remote and live audiences.

Findings from the Motorsport Network Global Fan Survey indicate fans are pleased with the direction the sport is taking. Compared to the 2015 survey, there was a 44 per cent increase in fan belief that Formula 1 is ‘the pinnacle of motorsport’, and a 43 per cent improvement in the statement that the sport fields ‘the best drivers’.

Data from the 2017 survey indicates the average age of the Formula 1 fan is becoming younger and more diverse, with more female respondents than ever before. However, the declining availability of free-to-air television coverage is having an impact – fewer fans are watching the sport regularly compared to the 2015 survey.

The survey results show Lewis Hamilton’s popularity has doubled since 2015; he now commands a level of global fan support not seen since that enjoyed by the great Michael Schumacher. Hamilton was voted as the most popular driver in Formula 1 – beating Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen.

Ferrari has strengthened its position as the world’s favourite F1 team in the latest survey, with nearly one-third of the global fanbase ranking it at #1. Ferrari’s support is almost double that of its nearest competitor – the fast-rising Mercedes AMG F1 team.

Other “fast facts” from the 2017 survey include:

Respondents to the 2017 survey spent $8.8m on F1 merchandise in 2016
6,249 Finns took part - nearly all, bar 399, voted for Kimi Raikkonen or Valtteri Bottas as their favourite driver
Mercedes AMG F1 is the most popular team in the UK, but not in its 'home' market of Germany
25 per cent of 16-34 year olds want to watch F1 live streaming, via laptop or mobile; while only 7 per cent of 45+ year olds do
Less than 0.5 per cent of fans want to watch in highlights-only format
Over two thirds of fans completed the survey on mobile or tablet
Max Verstappen is more popular among 45+ age group than 16-24 year olds
Only nine recognised United Nations countries weren’t represented in the survey - South Sudan, Palau, Marshall Islands, Sao Tome & Principe, Samoa, Vanuatu, Nauru, Aruba & Equatorial Guinea
Nearly two thirds of all respondents put Monaco, Monza, Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone in their list of five essential Grands Prix
The percentage of fans describing Formula 1 as ‘exciting’ nearly tripled between 2015 to 2017

[wabbit]

Less than 0.5 per cent of fans want to watch in highlights-only format

That's interest to me because they're saying it's not a "what happened" it's how "it happened" and secondly Formula 1's YouTube account is continually updated with highlights.

[w00dsy]

Nearly two thirds of all respondents put Monaco, Monza, Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone in their list of five essential Grands Prix

What's the 5th?

[Jamo]

Fucking Hamilton... Urgh

McLaren.jpg

Watched this late last night/early this morning whilst utterly maggoted... Fantastic and shall have to rewatch sober'ish soon.

[Big Kev]

Renault apparently in advanced talks with Perez to replace the rather hapless Palmer next season.

[KNAPPO]

I wonder how Force India is feeling about the possibility of loosing both its drivers to Renault and slipping down the field.

[Dr. Pain]

That will cut off an avenue of escape for Alonso if that happens. If that car improves through out the year, an Alonso return would on the cards. But with both the Hulk and Checo there, it would take a lot to buy a seat. I can't see Alonso staying at Mclaren.

[KNAPPO]

I can't see Alonso staying at Mclaren.

I wouldn't be shocked if Alonso comes out with a full time Indy Car drive for next year, even tho he said he wants a 3rd DWC.

[KNAPPO]

Formula 1 global fan survey results revealed at Monaco Grand Prix

Full report is available for download: https://f1survey.motorsport.com/

[Dr. Pain]

I can't see him in Indy car. Yeah it's got a big race but the series is second rate. WEC would be better as it's got more prestige to it.

[pixelboy]

He'll get a good crack at Le Mans if he finds a Porsche or Toyota LMP1 seat!

[Duke]

Jenson Button will make his Japanese Super GT debut at the Suzuka 1000km event in August, as he lines up behind the wheel of a Team Mugen Honda NSX-GT machine.
The British former Formula One World Champion has been enjoying his retirement in recent months whilst deciding on a program of competition, spending time behind the wheel of a World Rallycross car recently and of course stepping in for his former teammate Fernando Alonso at the Monaco Grand Prix.
However with his full time professional career closing out at the end of the 2016 Grand Prix season, Button has confirmed he will once again race in the Land of the Rising Sun as he takes part in the classic Suzuka 1000km Super GT event, partnering Japanese Super GT regulars Hideki Mutoh and Daisuke Nakajima.

“After driving an NSX Concept-GT at the Honda Racing Thanks Day last December, I became interested in racing in Super GT,” said Button.
“I spoke with Honda and they have given me the chance to race at the Suzuka 1000km. As an F1 driver and a member of Team Mugen, I will push to win.
“I am very much looking forward to racing in front of my Japanese fans again.”​

With Button having somewhat of an affinity with the Japanese racing public he was understandably keen to be out racing again over in Japan, coupled with his and McLarens strong ties with the Honda brand the way was paved for JB to sample the car and commit to Japans toughest endurance racing event of the year.

[w00dsy]

Kubica is back in an F1. He did 115 laps and was faster than Sirotkin.

[Big Kev]

Maybe they're keeping options open for Palmer's exit. Maybe even before the season it out!

[KNAPPO]

Got a spare 9:30?

[Duke]

McL - Merc deal is reportedly done & dusted...

[Dr. Pain]

Fair enough too. This is a big team doing it hard, really hard, but they are being let down by a bad engine. Yeah teams in the past have done it hard and Mclaren was one post Honda in the 1990's. The Ford worked well for them but the Peugeot was a dog.

Images of broken down Mclaren's is really hurting the brand.

[KNAPPO]

From Alonso's Facecrack page (3rd post from the top)
https://www.facebook.com/FernandoAlonsodiazmclaren/

Mclaren will announce the agreement with Mercedes before August to hold Alonso

[Jamo]

Christ there will wholesale seppuku in Minato tonight.

[w00dsy]

I think this will be good for everyone. McLaren can get back to being a consistent top 10 team. Honda can save a shit tonne of money on funding McLaren and Alonso, and they can develop their engine without as much scrutiny. And Sauber can get a proper engine deal.

[Duke]

Yes was thinking last night how good is it that Sauber will become a factory team.

[Dr. Pain]

It would be good for Sauber though as they have cash and can develop the chassis. They stay in the sport.

[Big Kev]

Provisional 2018 F1 calendar
March 25 Melbourne Australia
April 8 Shanghai* China
April 15 Sakhir Bahrain
April 29 Baku Azerbaijan
May 13 Barcelona Spain
May 27 Monaco Monaco
June 10 Montreal Canada
June 24 Le Castellet France
July 1 Spielberg Austria
July 8 Silverstone Great Britain
July 22 Hockenheim Germany
July 29 Budapest Hungary
August 26 Spa-Francorchamps Belgium
September 2 Monza Italy
September 16 Singapore* Singapore
September 30 Sochi Russia
October 7 Suzuka Japan
October 21 Austin USA
October 28 Mexico City Mexico
November 11 Sao Paolo Brazil
November 25 Yas Marina Abu Dhabi
*Subject to approval

[Dr. Pain]

So Bernie didn't want a French grand prix for years and years and now it's going to be at his track