What F1 can learn from McDonalds

With crowds at Formula 1's 'new world' races either small or shrinking, Dieter Rencken believes the sport could do a lot worse than following the expansion model of a certain fast food chain as it bids to build its popularity worldwide

Over the years Bernie Ecclestone's TV production crews have worked wonders in upping the standard of Formula 1's broadcasts, so much so that the remaining two independent productions - Monaco (hosted by Tele Monte Carlo) and Japan (Fuji TV) - are found wanting in many areas, be they camera angles, breakaway or atmosphere shots, or the simple task of identifying a race within the race, and focusing on that.

Where once F1 fans were at the mercy of partisan host broadcasters, who fervently followed the local hero's every move - even when said driver was battling away in total solitude in P26 - Formula One Communications' (FOC) grey-tented village graces 90 per cent of grand prix venues, and there is little doubt that the commercial rights holder, having introduced the 'world feed' in 2007, is aiming for a monopoly.

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