Why Formula One could learn from Moto GP

On reading this months issue of F1 Racing I was surprised to find myself actually agreeing with Bernie Ecclestone for once. All this week I had been putting together this article on how we need to see more of Formula One’s characters, and Bernie echoes exactly what I have been writing.

“I still think we should be doing an awful lot more to make the drivers more exposed to the public," he said. Agreed!

The problem with Formula One in my opinion is it lacks characters, or, more accurately, it appears to lack characters-we just don‘t see enough of them. Surely Formula One would benefit if all it’s drivers were given more of a presence-or were allowed to have more of a presence? Something that the drivers parade doesn’t quite cut.

I can’t help but feel that current Formula One drivers are somewhat overprotected. Every time we hear from them a press officer is looming behind monitoring what they say. On the grid they are often inaccessible to journalists and fans. After the race they drive straight to parc ferme. End of show. No track celebration. It feels somewhat flat.

Formula One should take a leaf from Moto GP.

Moto GP has something that Formula One as it is today seriously lacks- a sense of humour. Something that given the recent political distractions, Formula One could do with.

Last weekends San Marino Moto GP illustrates this. Valentino Rossi was sporting a helmet with a Donkey on it. This was alluding to the previous race at Indianapolis, where Rossi came off his bike and out of the race. Rossi concedes this was his fault, therefore making him a ‘Donkey.’ Can you imagine a Formula One driver doing something like this and actually having a bit of a laugh at themselves? What a change to have someone not only admit that an incident was their fault but also be able to stand back and laugh at themselves about it. It was entertaining to watch.

How about Lorenzo, climbing the Indianapolis Speedway railings Spiderman style? It was fantastic entertainment-albeit a bit dangerous, but nothing Lorenzo can‘t handle I‘m sure. It gives the fans an opportunity to see that rider’s character and personality, adding to the whole show.

Heaven forbid you should pull a stunt like this in Formula One. Even a doughnut post race gets you a slapped wrist these days, and driving around holding your country flag? Forget it! What would be the penalty for a Rossi or Lorenzo style celebration? A race ban and an FIA court hearing for showing too much emotion?

The plus of these displays of race win elation is it keeps you engaged and entertained even when we might not have witnessed the most exciting race weekend. It’s a talking point which keeps the sport in the public eye for the right reasons, not because of yet another political debate as is the current trend in the Formula One arena. Most importantly we get to see that character, and celebrate with them.

The fun subsides to serious racing the minute the grid lights go out. It doesn’t detract form the racing in any way, it adds to the excitement. It adds to the package because we warm to the characters and as a result we genuinely care how they all perform in the race. This is probably because most of the riders give a lot to fans both pre and post race. They happily engage in friendly banter and signing autographs. It is somewhat more accessible to the fans, and the atmosphere is much more relaxed.

Now I am not suggesting that drivers should give up their lives to be slaves to the PR machine. I just think that a little bit more fun and the opportunity to see a bit more of Formula One’s characters would go a long way to improve the sport.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.

Rossi celebrates on track following his 100th victory (above).