The FOTA wants to survey Formula 1 fans

The FOTA recently declared its intention to consult Formula 1 fans to adapt or change certain sporting or technical rules.

The Formula One Teams Association (FOTA), through its current spokesperson, Martin Whitmarsh – Director of McLaren-Mercedes – stated via a video that they want to consult F1 fans. The aim is to understand what pleases and displeases them in order to improve the sport. He also warns that this action could be viewed negatively by the FIA – Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile – which manages the rights with the FOM of Formula 1.

Present at the Nurburgring for the German Grand Prix this weekend, team principals gathered at the FOTA office to discuss this ‘questionnaire’.

« The FOTA wants to conduct its first survey, which is quite a good and challenging task. » Explains Whitmarsh.

« Typically, the survey we conduct is not only for F1 fans, but for the entire population. We ask them if they know what F1 is, how it could be improved, the type of show they want to see, or their perspective on technology. »

« I think that once the process is underway, it may shock the FIA and may be frowned upon by the rights holders of F1. But we all have our views on how to improve the sport… » Continue in English.

The FOTA and the FIA reached an agreement a few weeks ago regarding the rules and the evolution of F1 for 2010. Nevertheless, the situation is not certain and Whitmarsh is seeking to ease tensions.

« Some proposals were unacceptable for the teams. They have been withdrawn and it’s a promising start. There are no generalities in F1. It’s a complicated business with teams, associations, and directors bound by commercial rights. We all need to contribute and work together to improve this sport. »

« This means that we need to be more attentive to the fans. Many changes have been made in recent years in Formula 1, but I don’t think the opinion of the spectators was properly taken into account. Times must change. »