Missing the point?

Sir,

Having read your review of the European F3000 season last month, and taken on board the problems the formula has trying to make its presence felt and, more importantly, attracting spectators, why doesn’t FISA make the formula truly international?

What has happened to the race dates that the Sportscar World Championship used to occupy in far-flung places such as Japan, Mexico and Canada? Would it not profit F3000 to stimulate public interest in such markets, and would not that give aspiring young drivers the greater international appeal that might turn them into a more marketable commodity for F1 sponsors?

Hugh Smith, Cardiff.
It’s not that simple, Mr Smith. FISA tried to spread the formula’s wings back in 1986, with two proposed races in South America and one in Curacao. All failed to take place because the finance couldn’t be raised, and races outside Europe have never since appeared on the scheduled calendar. Nowadays, F3000 is looking at a programme of cost containment, which means that the calendar needs to be kept firmly in control. Extra promotion and TV coverage within Europe would be of enormous benefit, and if the manufacturers get the increased number of Grand Prix support races that they desire, greater exposure ought to follow. The formula needs to walk before it runs, and for the past eight seasons it has spent far too long hobbling. Future expansion must be tempered with common-sense caution.
Ed.