(Sauber F1 Team)
Formula One has seen a whole host of changes recently. The 2014 season has seen one of the biggest changes in the sport in a generation with smaller more economical power units, Initially when the plans were confirmed that the sport would reduce the size of the engines in Formula One fans were slightly skeptical however the new generation of Formula One has proven to be a massive success and although it was thought that the new sound of Formula One was not going to be good.
However having attended the Spanish Grand Prix at the Barcelona Circuit de Catalunya in May and seeing the huge crowd at the circuit I thought wow the sport is just as if not more exciting with the new sound of the sport.
The racing this season has been absolutely sensational despite Mercedes dominance however it is nice to see a different team at the front of the pack. The new regulations have also seen the likes of Williams and Sahara Force India make huge steps forward in their performances which is absolutely fantastic for the sport. This has helped to attract new fans to the sport and although there have been complaints from within the sport about the down turn in the attendance figures at race's recently and the fact some fans are switching off the sport. It is still extremely exciting when it comes to racing.
One of the issues is that ticket's to Grand Prix are very expensive which is not sustainable in the current economic climate. For example a three day Grandstand ticket at Ascari is priced at €545.20. The cheapest three day grandstand ticket for the Italian Grand Prix is €139.20 while a three day General Admission ticket costs €116.
The sport seriously consider revamping the pricing structure of Grand Prix ticket's and what fans get for their money. The racing may be exciting but fans need to feel that they are getting value for money and this should include adding incentives such a garage and paddock tours for fans. There is of course the Paddock Club but it is extremely expensive.
When it comes to social media Formula One teams do a great job engaging with fans but the sport needs to do the same by offering prizes through social media. The powers that be need to look at other motorsport categories such as IndyCar and the newly formed Formula E championship which has already opened its doors to fans with open test days for fans and the sport hasn't even had it first event.
©Ben Johnston 2014
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