IF IT AIN’T BROKE, DON’T FIX IT. (From Halesowen News)

IF IT AIN’T BROKE, DON’T FIX IT.

2:10pm Sunday 29th March 2009

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In the modern age of sport the thirst for constant excitement and action is almost never ending. Every professional sport is subject to pinpoint analysis to identify and root out any aspect which could be deemed unattractive, or unappealing. The need to attract both viewers and sponsors is paramount in the mind of the those who control sport across the world and one can only assume that it is this that inspired Bernie Eccleston and his acolytes at the World Motor Sport Council to try and enforce a significant rule change to the 2009 Formula One season. The idea that the driver with most wins rather than most points would claim the world title was greeted with universal opposition, strong enough for Bernie to defer its introduction until next year. But why change? It is suggested that the rule change will make the sport more exciting and introduce more risk taking during races but whether it will or not is a moot point.

Go back 10 years and it is a truism to state that F1 was not the most attractive sport in the world. Likened to a procession, with overtaking at a premium the domination of Michael Schumacher didn’t help either but fast forward to today and you would be hard pressed to find a more intriguing sport.

Last years climax, with Britain’s Lewis Hamilton claiming the title at the last bend in the final race, was the best finish to a season in years. The emergence of the young Englishman has helped raise the profile of F1, not only in the UK but across the world with his ethnic background attracting a whole new audience in the same way that Tiger Woods attracted interest in Golf. The previous season also had its moments, particularly off the track, with the accusation and counters claims of impropriety amongst the top teams.

This season the TV rights for Formula One were claimed by the BBC and as the coverage reverted its natural home, only Michael Grade could see it as a negative move. The credit crunch forced Honda to disband their team and undergo a metamorphosis into Brawn who, along with the forgotten man of British Motor Sport, Jensen Button, have not only forged to the front of the grid, but have claimed the opening race of the season in Australia. And all this under the cloud of suspicion regarding the design of the car.

So the thinking behind the rule change is muddled in the extreme. One would hope that, given a season that continues as interestingly as it has started, this particular piece of hair-brained tinkering will be quietly forgotten. But looking at the way the governing body of motor sport operate, I somehow doubt it.

And I haven’t even mentioned Max Mosley.

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The events of early March at Cheltenham are best left behind as far as I am concerned. A great National Hunt Festival once again, but a catastrophic betting week for yours truly. As a confirmed jumps fan I will retire gracefully now until next season, and as for next week at Aintree, try the sweep at your work place to pick a winner. As reliable a method as any as far as the National is concerned.

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Belated congratulations to Gary Hackett and Stourbridge FC in reaching the final of the Birmingham Senior Cup. The Glassboys face Hednesford Town at Burton Albion on the 22nd April. The venue may seem strange but none of the major sides in our area would acquiesce to hosting the final without the imposition of unworkable caveats. So it’s a short spin up the A38 , and if you’ve never been to the Pirelli Stadium why not give it a try and lend your support to the non-league game?

Richard Nevin .

Listen to Richard Nevin every week on the Friday Sports Forum between 7 and 9pm on 102.5 The Bridge and on Beacon Radio’s 442, the post match football show with a difference, every Saturday from 5.

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