I look forward to seeing how Jean Todt will go about living up to the requirements of the Olympic committee over the next two years, in order to consolidate this provisional status… It may have implications for international relations; and, with F1 perceived as the FIA's leading light, may have a direct - and I believe very positive - impact upon practices at the pinnacle of motor-sport. For instance, it could have implications for venues; and some of F1's previously banned but still 'hopeful' personnel… (Then again, the Olympic Committee has occasionally raised a few eyebrows itself!) The following is a reproduction of the FIA Press Release, dated 11th January 2011 ( http://www.fia.com): Press Release Recognition of the FIA by the IOC 11/01/2012 By letter dated 9[SUP]th[/SUP] December 2011, the President of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge, has announced that the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile has been recognised by the IOC. The FIA strongly shares the Olympic sporting values as expressed by the IOC and aimed at developing a better understanding between communities worldwide. With this is mind the FIA affirms its commitments to respect the Olympic Charter, in particular: to establish and enforce, in accordance with the Olympic spirit, the rules concerning the practice of its respective sports and to ensure their application; to ensure the development of its sports throughout the world; to contribute to the achievement of the goals set out in the Olympic Charter, particularly in relation to the ongoing development of Olympic values and Olympic education. The IOC recognition is provisional for a period of two years. The IOC has invited the FIA to introduce as soon as it is possible an Athlete’s Commission so as to make this recognition permanent. The FIA welcomes this recognition to join the Olympic family and confirms its commitment to participate in the activities of the IOC and its relevant commissions. Jean Todt, President of the FIA, will be sending a letter to the 129 national sporting club members of the FIA, inviting them to respect and share the values of the Olympic movement. « I am delighted the FIA is now part of the Olympic family as this is a confirmation of the strength of our sporting credentials as well as a recognition of the values of Respect, Excellence and Friendship which we actively share with the Olympic movement. »
What are their values? Money above everything? how can I take a sporting event sponsored by Mcdonalds 'restaurants' seriously?
So what does recognition actually entail. What are its merits and likely impact on motor racing as a whole
It's a good question but I suggest you research "Olympic sporting values" etc. In particular, I refer to the fundamental notion and concept of 'sport'; something which regards 'fair play' as a vitally important aspect of excellence for all of humanity. For greater detail about 'values', you could wade through their site, although this makes no reference to motor racing, and you may (if you're like me) find it rather dull: http://www.olympic.org/olympism-in-action I sincerely hope Jean Todt will make a statement (soon?) which answers your question. I am seriously interested in how he will handle this, since F1 is such an easy target in so many different respects, for anyone concerned about 'fair play'!
Would like to see F1 in the olympics actually. London 2012 GRAND PRIX, race around big ben and across tower bridge etc... would be amazing to watch.
As a non-championship event I'd love to see motorsport be part of the Olympics. One-car formula and all. Great exposure for drivers from smaller countries. In fact, why hasn't this happened yet?
Nandrolone is a steroid which promotes muscle and bone growth. Whilst drivers need to keep in peak physical condition, I do not know of any drivers who see an advantage in using this drug or similar. Nor would they wish to encourage weight gain without considerable compensatory benefit. However, nootropics and cognitive enhancing drugs can help concentration and reduce impulsiveness (often associated with 'accidents') making it more of a consideration for drivers. It is a possibility that some drivers are already using them (although I know of none at all) and this would no doubt be something of a concern for Olympic competition. Olympic race-driving could be a possibility at some point, although it would certainly not be F1! Rather, as you suggest, I suspect it would be all drivers competing in a 'standard' vehicle.
A better attended race of champions effectively, and on a proper track, not one squeezed into a stadium.
Yes, I think this is a pretty good analogy. We are probably about (perhaps a lot more than?) 10 years away at present, but this provisional nod of approval is certainly a first step along that road. By the time it happens - if it happens - I would not be too surprised to see the use of very 'green' technology.
Incidentally, does anyone know if F1 drivers are subject to the same, highly stringent drugs testing system that footballers and athletes are? It seems odd to think that they might not be, but I've absolutely no recollection of an F1 driver failing or missing a drugs test. It seems the fuel in the cars is subject to more stringent testing than the drivers blood.
In essence; yes. However, drug testing in motor racing is very low profile when compared to sports based entirely on the human body's physical abilities, such as the track and field events so commonly associated with Olympic competition. Thomas Enge was the last driver I am aware of to fail a drugs test in open-wheel racing. I think NASCAR has had a few too.
does this mean that we could have an f1 event at the olympics? and number of the already too many races?
No. Remember that F1 is only one of the sports under the jurisdiction of the FIA. As I have suggested above, I believe that any future, hypothetical, motor-racing Olympic event would certainly not use F1 cars.
About 7/8 years ago there was a lot of talk about a London Grand Prix before it was deemed too disruptive and expensive in 2007 ending the speculation.
