Fans say new rules have improved F1

That is the result of the latest FIA/AMD Formula One Survey, which was published this morning. The survey was completed by 91,000 fans from 180 countries.

According to the survey, 66 percent of fans believed that the return of tyre changes had improved F1, while 73 percent thought the new knockout qualifying format was an improvement over the one-lap format.

An overwhelming 88 percent believed that more emphasis should be put on driver skill and less on driver aids, although interestingly 91 percent believed the sport should be an important showcase for technology.

However, only 28 percent of fans thought technology was the most exciting element of F1.

There was also a desire for improved television coverage of the sport. 80 percent wanted more in-depth interviews with drivers, while more than half wanted more on-board camera shots (59 percent), more pit-to-car radio (66 percent) and split screen coverage of the races (55 percent).

It was no surprise to see that 86 percent of fans wanted more overtaking.

FIA president Max Mosley said: "Our annual survey has again proved to be incredibly popular with Formula One fans across the world and their response to the improved format of the sport in 2006 has been very positive.

"We recognise their view that technology is important but that the right balance with driver skill must be achieved and that improving car design to encourage overtaking must be one of our priorities.

"We are now working very closely with the teams and manufactures to ensure that we encourage the introduction of new energy efficient technology which will not only help to improve the show but will also have a direct environmental relevance for the motoring public.

"With the assistance of our technology partner AMD we are creating a new group of experts from all of the Formula One teams to optimise aerodynamic improvements and other changes to facilitate overtaking."

"Our message to the Formula One fans who have taken the time to complete this year's survey is very simple - thank you. We have listened to all your views and we are committed to working with the teams and the other Formula One stakeholders to help improve our sport for all involved."

The survey also showed that Michael Schumacher was the most popular driver, with Ferrari the most popular team.

The results of the driver support were:

Michael Schumacher 28%
Kimi Raikkonen  17%
Jenson Button  8%
Fernando Alonso  7%
David Coulthard  6%
Juan Pablo Montoya 5%
Jacques Villeneuve  4%
Mark Webber  3%
Takuma Sato  2%
Rubens Barrichello  1%
Giancarlo Fisichella  1%
Nick Heidfeld   1%
Tiago Monteiro  1%
Nico Rosberg  1%
Scott Speed   1%
Jarno Trulli   1%

The results of the team support were:

Ferrari    30%
McLaren Mercedes  21%
Renault F1   8%
WilliamsF1    8%
Honda Racing F1   6%
Red Bull Racing  4%
BMW Sauber F1   3%
Super Aguri F1   2%
Panasonic Toyota  1%