F1 broadcasters can look forward to a significant increase in viewing figures this weekend as Spanish rookie, Jamie Alguesuari makes his debut for Torro Rosso. The baby of the bunch (literally, he’s the youngest-F1 driver ever!) Alguesuari will be fighting with the big boys of motorsport, including fellow countryman Fernando Alonso, and will, I’m sure, have all his fans from Renault WS glued to TV screens cheering on their boy.
The rising star may have landed his dream role but he hasn’t forgotten his roots and plans to compete at the next RWS meeting in Portimao in August. Although the youngest Jamie certainly won’t be the first F1 driver to compete in different disciplines during the official season; Kimi has his rallying, Nick has his biking and Fernando has his eerm, cycles (does it count if it doesn’t have an engine?!)
Jamie’s in-season shake-up has no doubt proved an unexpected boost for the Renault WS team and I’m sure they’ll be looking to capitalise on their ’star’ attraction for the weekend in Portugal; but should drivers be allowed to ‘compete’ in other disciplines during a season? And are fans happy about it? F1 is considered by many to be the pinnacle of motorsport, but there are plenty that would argue with that and don’t feel happy about F1 drivers ‘treating the sports they love as weekend retreats’. Racing in any category takes a lot out of drivers, so by taking part in other events are drivers compromising their performance in the ‘day job’?
Personally I think it’s a good thing that drivers don’t forget how they got where they are and, if teams in other sports are happy to have drivers from other categories make guest appearences why not allow drivers to indulge their passions? I’m sure you have your own opinions on the subject of ‘guest spot driving’- let them be known!
And good luck to Jamie at Hungary this weekend!!
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