Pirelli’s Paul Hembery is due to present a proposal to Bernie Ecclestone, which he believes could make Formula 1 more popular in the United States, whilst also keeping interest high across other continents.
The Briton believes a radical approach is required to ensure Formula 1 isn’t just popular in Europe, but in other key markets across the globe.
Hembery’s proposal is to split the championship into three, with an Australasian/Asian round, a European round and a North/South American round, which he hopes would see a new California based race.
Those three championships would be geared toward their local audience with start times to match, whilst an overall champion would be crowned at the end of the season.
“The market people all say the same thing, which is that the biggest problem in F1 is with the timings,” Hembery told The Guardian. “They are all for Europe, which means in America they have to get up ridiculously early to watch the racing.
“I will be talking to Bernie shortly about this. I haven’t worked out the logistical problems. It’s up to the teams to do that. But this is all about getting more interest in Formula 1, and particularly in the Americas,” he added.
“To lose Austin so soon after getting there, and it’s a good circuit and a well organised show which the fans enjoy, would be phenomenally negative.
“I also think it’s important to have a race in California. With this regional idea we could create a concentrated interest in the sport and help build a real fanbase.
“If we carry on making Formula One for European television we will end up with a Europe-only audience.”
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