Formula One news

Mansell turned off by boring Formula One

Mansell will drive a Jordan on Tuesday in London

Formula One is now so boring that even Britain's Nigel Mansell can't bear to watch it on television, the former world champion says. "Ive tried to defend it because it meant such a lot to me for so many years, but even I can no longer go on defending the indefensible," Mansell told The Times newspaper.

"How can you when there is virtually no overtaking on the track and little genuine excitement?" he asked. "I still keep in touch with whats happening in Formula One and Ill usually sit down to watch the start of a Grand Prix -- but after a few laps I find I cant watch any more and switch off. Its that bad."

Mansell's harsh words appeared in print a day after six-time world champion Michael Schumacher claimed his ninth victory of the season for Ferrari in the French Grand Prix. Mansell, who competed in 185 major races over 15 years until 1995, and took the world title in 1992, puts the blame on cars being allowed more than one engine. "The regulations, far from helping the other teams, are helping Ferrari, who have an incredible record of reliability," said Mansell, who used to drive for the Italian team. "Michael last had a breakdown three years ago, so which team is likely to be least affected by the one engine rule? Ferrari, of course. And if they do have to change an engine and forfeit places on the grid, they are the one team capable of making up those places."

"Its a Mickey Mouse rule -- and what were left with is not a level playing field. I dont buy the argument about saving money. Its nothing compared with the cost of development and testing."

Mansell also has a problem with the cars themselves, which he thinks are "too easy to drive". "The most inexperienced young driver can climb into a Formula One car and drive it competently," he said. "Formula One is the pinnacle of motorsport and engineering excellence, but it should be the ultimate test of driving ability," he said. "You cant judge anyone until you strip the cars of the technical stuff and put them back into the control of the drivers."

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