Pace

This weekend is an intriguing one. Or at least I think so, all my friends laugh at me. The reason is that the 2010 Formula 1 season kicks off this weekend and I’m psyched! I started to watch F1 races again back in 2007 and have watched almost every race since and I don’t think 2010 will be an exception.

There are a lot of interesting changes this year compared to the 2009 season. Probably the most interesting rule change is that the teams are no longer allowed to refuel during the race. The last time this rule was used was all the way back in 1993. Three new teams have been accepted to the grid, while Toyota is missing since the 2009 season. There have of course been some driver changes as well, and you might already know that seven-time World Champion and old timer Michael Schumacher has returned to Formula 1. He will be driving for Mercedes GP, formerly Brawn GP. One of my favorite drivers, Fernando Alonso, is now with Ferrari together with Felipe Massa, who is returning to Formula 1 after almost having a spring lodged through his brain last year.

So, if you, like me, enjoy cars driving around in circles at ridiculous speeds, you have a lot to look forward to this year!

It’s been somewhat challenging to see the races at times because the TV network that owns the broadcasting rights in Norway moved everything to a pay-TV channel that I didn’t get on my cable provider. They started offering everything as on-demand streaming on their website last year, but I watched most of the shows at a pub together with hard core fans that I honestly must say I didn’t connect very well with. I like the sport, but I’m not a fanatic. Yet.

This year I’m subscribing to their on-demand service, which gives me access to all practice sessions, qualifying and the race in my living room. It’s not too expensive either. Congratulations to Viasat for actually providing an on-demand service that works, at least for now.

The first race of the season, the 2010 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, starts tomorrow at 1300 CET. Great stuff if you’re hung over and need something that’s easy on the eyes.


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