Future of Formula 1

F1 is certainly a sport absolutely riding a high. Never has the sport been popular universally and so in demand. Once predominantly a European based sport, F1 is probably the world's first truly global sport - yes it is a sport, have you seen how fit Michael Schumacher is?

Governments worldwide are fighting tooth and nail to host a grand prix knowing the kudos and glamour of bringing the world's richest circus to their countries. This is certainly evident in Asia. Japan started Asia's interest in grand prix racing in 1986 but it was when Malaysia got its first grand prix 12 years ago that F1 really started to begin moving through Asia's fast developing countries. Bahrain and China soon followed, then came Singapore and Abu Dhabi - hosts to undoubtedly the most spectacular grand prix on the calendar at the moment - Korea and now India.

It is safe to say that F1 is pretty much split into its traditional European season (May - September) and two Asia/Pacific seasons.

Next year, F1 will make another attempt at the world's largest automotive market, the United States, this time on a brand new purpose built course in Austin, Texas. I was surprised when Indianapolis disappeared from the grand prix calendar as I thought the event had actually done quite well despite the debacle of the 2005 race when all the Michelin runners had pulled out - American sports lovers are a cruel bunch and will take no nonsense.

In fact, the USA will get two grand prix from 2013 when a street race in New Jersey - with Manhattan in the background apparently - also joins the calendar. As they say, you wait for a bus for so long, then two show up.

This means the F1 calendar will almost certainly burst past 20 races per season and a much longer season - this F1 season will conclude in late November, it's latest finish in a while. There will come a time when the teams will have to force the FIA to place a quota of races per season given the cost of travel, staff fatigue, etc.

Perhaps F1 could follow golf's example and we could see certain regions take turns to host grand prix each year. It won't be popular with some countries although it may mean bigger crowds when those countries host races - some places like Shanghai, Bahrain and Sepang struggle to fill their grandstands to capacity at the moment.

A more realistic option is cutting the grand prix weekends to two days. This would probably be a boost to the poorer teams as less running will be required and there'll be less tyres, fuel, etc. used. It would prove a nightmare for debutant racers though.

Watch this space.. And surely there'll be a Russian Grand Prix, French Grand Prix - Monaco doesn't really count and a South Africa Grand Prix to make F1 a truly global sport.

On that note, just saw qualifying for the Indian Grand Prix tomorrow. Looks a pretty good circuit with some medium-to-fast corners. Hope it's a good race. Motorsport definitely needs a pick-me-up right now after it's worst run in years.