F1 fans eager for HD broadcasts

Formula 1 fans are keen to see the sport broadcast in high definition as soon as possible, as well as see grand prix racing expand its presence on the Internet

They are two of the key messages that have come out from the results of the recent fan survey conducted by the Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) in association with F1 Racing and LG Electronics.

With more than 85,000 fans having answered the survey that was conducted earlier this year, several elements have stood out as directions that they would like to see F1 head.

From the survey, more than 70 per cent of fans said they were very interested in see F1 broadcast in HD, with 44 per cent saying they would like to watch races streamed on the Internet.

Furthermore, 44 per cent of fans say they would like the ability to download races for watching after the event. There is also a big interest in fans becoming part of online communities and using F1 Apps on mobile phones.

There was evidence of a strong loyalty to the sport from respondents, with 84 per cent stating that they watch more than 12 races per year, with 85 per cent claiming to watch the whole event from start to finish.

Television remains the most popular means of fans following the sport, with 90 per cent stating they frequently follow it through that medium.

The second most popular was of following it is the Internet with more than 73% of fans following it frequently through that route. This compares with 34% through newspapers, 24% through magazines and just 5% through radio.

Fans also voiced strong opinions about the actual direction that the sport takes over the next year years, with them showing a strong desire for having technological innovations to look forward to, and that F1 should continue going to classic venues.