Digital F1™ TV is doomed, at least that's what WilliamsF1 boss Frank Williams believes.

According to British magazine Autosport, Williams is of the opinion that Digital F1™ will never be a major success.

"It's only for petrol-heads," says Williams, taking a leaf out of the Danny Kelly book. "There aren't enough of those out there to make pay TV a profitable business."

He may of course have a point. The basic cost of £12 ($17) for each race - including all practice sessions - might be out of the price range of many including those on a low income, students, the un-employed and retired. In addition the basic subscription to Digital TV pushes the cost even higher.

However it has to be said that Digital F1™ gives the sport a whole new dimension and is capable of converting those that regard the sport as processional and boring into devout followers.

The informed commentary, rather than sniping and trips to the local shopping malls is welcome, as is the in-car footage.

However where F1™ Digital really scores is in re-creating the atmosphere of an event. The ten fifteen minutes before the start, the snatches of conversations on the grid and in the pitlane.

To complete the warm up lap with a driver, to take 'your' position on the grid and then the crazy dash to the first corner adds a whole new dimension to the sport.

Yes there are weaknesses especially the interviews that are totally drowned out by the sound of an engine being revved, and of course Wattie's 'sticky-up' hair. However on the whole Digital F1™ has really brought the sport alive not just for enthusiasts but also casual fans.

The 'season ticket' has been a great idea, which it is hoped will be repeated in 2003, while the absence of advertisements is another of the Digital F1's™ true strengths.

Recently Nigel Roebuck commented on the superb in-car footage at Spa in 2000 when Hakkinen and Schumacher went either side of a startled Ricardo Zonta on the climb up to Les Combes, that footage alone was worth £12 of anyone's money.

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