Future of F1 Grand Prix

What lies ahead for the sport that's inextricably linked to Monaco?

After a year of scandal and controversy [1], what does the F1 Grand Prix have in store for 2010? Michel Boeri, president of the Automobile Club of Monaco [2] recently discussed the challenges facing the iconic motor racing event [3].

First of these is that of managing the FIA. Newly elected President, Jean Todt took over the role from Max Mosely in October for a four-year term. According to Boeri, he'll have his work cut out keeping the members in order. His experience reviving the fortunes of Ferrari will no doubt stand him in good stead.

The second issue that features high on the agenda is the move towards a more eco-friendly F1. There is no easy solution to this. Clearly, F1 cars and the sport in general do not sit easily alongside efforts to promote sustainable development. Grand Prix fans love the roar of the engine and the speed of the cars. Todt has an unenviable position in persuading teams to develop technology that keeps the excitement in the sport and yet reduces the harm caused to the environment.

Another challenge is how the sport survives in the face of the global economic crisis and reduced spending power. Boeri is upbeat, mentioning the recent introduction of new circuits. Countries such as Abu Dhabi have invested in building F1 tracks in order to raise public awareness of themselves. Newly developed circuits benefit from current technology and give fans a new viewing experience. In Abu Dhabi, the pit lane exit runs under the race track, and there's a hotel that changes colour straddling the route, giving a brief impression of a street circuit.

But new tracks may lead to the closure of older ones, although Boeri doesn't envisage any threat to Monaco. The world famous street circuit around the Principality is steeped in history and an invaluable part of the F1 calendar.