Rogge visits Silverstone

08/07/2012

Mat Coch writes:

Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee, visited Silverstone over the British Grand Prix weekend, taking in the sights and sounds of motor sport's greatest spectacle as London builds up to this summer's Olympic Games.

Rogge attended as a guest of Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone, though he was quick to mention that motor sport is not on the Olympic agenda.
"While having a lot of respect, (motorsport) will not be included into the Olympic programme," Rogge told reporters. "We have the same pursuit of excellence, so of course I have the highest respect for the drivers."

Rogge, who visited the media centre, the Ferrari garage and the television compound, admitted that the Olympics could learn a lot from Formula One.

"I think Formula One is an extremely well organised sport, both on the track and in general," he said. "There's a lot that we can learn from Formula One. We have many similarities - it's a sport with great competitors who prepare very hard.

"Everything is very well organised," he continued. "Believe me there are a lot of things we can learn from the organisation here."