I used to be a hardcore avid F1 fan a few years ago. Never used to miss a race despite the early start times of some. Would sit and watch everything from the Friday practice. By this stage close to the start of the season, I would be brushing off my Ferrari cap, ironing my favorite Tifosi shirt and trimming my lap times down on the old playstaion.
I have to say that over the past couple of years, I've become somewhat indifferent about the whole circus. It has become predictable, boring, repetative and duller than watching cricket. A sad state of affairs seeings how I was once such a huge fan of everything F1 (harks back to 1976 watching Nikki Lauda do a 'Nikki Lauda' at the Nürburgring, live, actually at the track on the day).
I really, really do hope they have brought back some of the real racing and on track competition this year. I will watch the season opener but I just know it will be a PR and marketing event for the sponsors.
Wheel out Mansell, Irvine and rebuild Senna, top that little fecker Ecclestone.
Footnote.
Just had a look at the driver/team line up and it may prove to be mildly interesting. Nice to see a couple more Brits on the starting grid. Except for Coulthard as he is a waste of fuel and has proved to be as successful as Supergran in a Hillman Avenger.