Can F1 Ever Return To Glory?

Today's Japanese Grand Prix for me, was probably the most exciting of all the races this year.

Exciting because I actually managed to stay awake all the way through the race, due to few overtaking manoeuver's and a bit of racing thrown in for good measure.

Kimi's overtaking move on Fisichella at the last lap even had Ronny crying (the man is human after all) and Alonso's battle with Shumacher was reminiscent of the days of Mansell, Prost and Senna.

But for how much longer can F1 reign supreme?

Sky's attempt at hijacking F1 with the A1 series may just capture the imagination for a little while, but deep down i feel it can't really eclipse F1. Although I'd like to think it could, i'm reluctant to say it because A1 cars, although fast, can't live up to the brute power of a F1 car. And because of this shortage of horses, we are always going feel like were watching second best and tune into F1 in the hope that one day it will start to produce racing like it did today.

Don't get me wrong, the first A1 series was competitive and had some good racing with position's changing regulary. But for me, A1 will only succeed in beating F1 if they give us the expert commentary, personalities, analysis and above all, speed.

It's different with the BTCC because the cars use agressive tactics like nudging into each other to gain position which in turn, keeps our attention and just about any one can win. F1/A1 cars are fragile things and rely on pure speed, downforce and grip.

So what I really want to see is the the same principles of A1 in F1 were any team or driver has a realistic chance of winning and upsetting the odds. Lets hope next years regulations and rulings allow for this urgent change and return F1 to its former glory.