To Increase popularity of F-1, Media needs to play a key role - Angad Lamba

Introduction

At the outset let me mention I am an F-1 fanatic for over a decade and have loved watching on TV Michael Schumacher running wheels to wheels with Mika Hakinnen during the late 90s. My delight new no bounds when in 2011, the F-1 bandwagon came to India. However, the initial optimism has not resulted in any sustained momentum for the global brand that  is F-1

Reasons why F-1 is not popular in India

1)      The masses can only relate to a sport if they can play/experience it in close quarters. This is F-1’s major drawback since the cost of the tickets is beyond the reach of many in our country

2)      The absence of any Indian team in the true sense, lack of Indian drivers in the paddock has lead to alienation among the sports junta of this country

Role of the Media

1)      Educate the customer about the nuts and bolts of F-1 in an easy to understand manner which would help the viewer appreciate and enjoy the sport even further.

2)      Demonstrate to the people of India that F-1 cars are not just gas guzzlers but the technology used to develop these cars actually helps manufactures to improve designs for on-road cars by covering practical examples of the recent past.

3)      Ensure the coverage of F-1 and motorsports is year round and is not restricted only to the time when a race is being held. This can be done by highlighting the biographies of the teams, racers, history of the sport, rivalries.