Whilst the circuit might look good from the outside, the over-riding question
is whether it will provide the entertainment the Americans demand.
The United States and F1 have always had a rocky relationship, and whilst COTA
is a step in the right direction, Ecclestone knows his sport will continue
to face an uphill fight to win over America.
“America can probably last without Formula One, and Formula One can
probably last without America, but it’s good we’re here,” said the
82-year-old.
As to how the F1 brand can be grown, the only solution for Ecclestone is
unrealistic saturation.
“We need to have 10 races like in Europe, same population, same size, but
the most we’ll ever have is two, maybe three,” added Ecclestone. But
this should be a success.”
There has been talk this year of a race in Mexico in the near future, with a
return to its old stamping ground of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
Ecclestone, however, has warned prospective hosts that only a track like COTA
is the way forward.
“I told them ‘This is what you have to build, and then we’re in business’,”
said Ecclestone.
“We’re definitely not going back to the old circuit. If they build
something like this then it will be super.”
The drivers, for now at least until they get out on track later for the day’s
opening two practice sessions, gave the thumbs up.
“It’s quite an interesting track which looks fantastic to drive,”
said McLaren star Lewis Hamilton.
“It’s been quite difficult to learn (via the simulator). It took a little
bit longer than some of the other circuits.
“But I really started to enjoy it once I got used to it. It’s going to be
very interesting this weekend.”
As for title protagonists Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso, with just 10
points separating them going into the final two races, their impressions
were similar.
Vettel said: “It looks quite interesting, but it’s always the feeling you
get inside the car that is most important, so I’m looking forward to today.”
As for Alonso, who managed two laps on his bicycle yesterday, he added: “It
seems spectacular.
“It will be challenging for us drivers and the engineers as well.
“I think it will be a good show for everybody with hopefully some good
overtaking and opportunities around the track.”