Formula 1 hasn't been able to compete with the likes of Nascar and IRL for American viewers. Analysts have said that it was because of the lack of American participation in the sport.
Actually, it is more of the lack of significant American participation in the sport. In recent years, the presence of Scott Speed did little to improve ratings because he really had no chance of winning in a Toro Rosso. That plus the fact that Speed was most of the time smoked by his teammate.
Now that Speed is no longer in the line up and now that there is no USGP for this year, Formula 1 would find it harder to penetrate an American audience.
As it stands, the last American world champion was Mario Andretti back in 1978 when he drove the infamous Lotus 79 "wing car". Andretti, was one of only two Americans (the other being Phil Hill in 1961) who have conquered the Formula 1 scene.
However, Formula 1 may just be able to still make its way to the US. There have been reports from SPEED TV that Honda driver Rubens Barrichello have agreed to a driver swap with Andretti Green Racing. Barrichello would drive for Andretti Green while Marco Andretti would drive for Honda for the 2009 season.
Actually, it is more of the lack of significant American participation in the sport. In recent years, the presence of Scott Speed did little to improve ratings because he really had no chance of winning in a Toro Rosso. That plus the fact that Speed was most of the time smoked by his teammate.
Now that Speed is no longer in the line up and now that there is no USGP for this year, Formula 1 would find it harder to penetrate an American audience.
As it stands, the last American world champion was Mario Andretti back in 1978 when he drove the infamous Lotus 79 "wing car". Andretti, was one of only two Americans (the other being Phil Hill in 1961) who have conquered the Formula 1 scene.
However, Formula 1 may just be able to still make its way to the US. There have been reports from SPEED TV that Honda driver Rubens Barrichello have agreed to a driver swap with Andretti Green Racing. Barrichello would drive for Andretti Green while Marco Andretti would drive for Honda for the 2009 season.
If the reports were true, could Formula 1 break through American audience?
It's hard to say. Although Marco Andretti is no doubt an exceptional talent, talent alone does not ensure success.
Back in 1993, Marco's father, Michael Andretti, made his way to Formula 1 to drive for McLaren. During that time, McLaren was in a bit of a struggle to regain its dominant form. In addition, Michael Andretti's teammate was no less than three times world champion Ayrton Senna.
Without sufficient knowledge of the European tracks while driving a car that wasn't the best on the grid, Andretti struggled. To make matters worse, comparisons with the more experienced Senna only heightened the pressure resting on Andretti's shoulders.
Before the season ended, Michael Andretti quit F1.
Marco could possibly face the same problems. Honda after all is trying to get back to a more competitive form after a dismal 2007 season. Without a competitive car, winning races would be impossible. If Marco doesn't win, then there would be no point for many American viewers to wake up before the sun rises to catch Formula 1.
But then again, Honda does have Ross Brawn as its technical director. Ross Brawn has been credited to be one of the major reasons why Ferrari has become an elite team again. Before his stint with the Prancing Horse, he was also involved in propelling Benetton to the top of Formula 1. This guy knows what it takes to produce a winning car. If he can do miracles for Honda the way he did in Benneton and Ferrari, Marco's Formula 1 debut might be one that American would want to watch.
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