Ecclestone: Olympic discussions nothing new

28/07/2012

Mat Coch writes:

Formula One has taken a rare back seat in recent days as the Olympics begin in London. At Silverstone it was mooted that motor sport could become an Olympic sport after President of the International Olympic committee Jacques Rogue visited the British Grand Prix.

"While having a lot of respect, (motorsport) will not be included in the Olympic programme," Rogge said at the time.

It's a view F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone shares, however in Hungary he revealed discussions about motor sport's inclusion to the Olympics are nothing new. While Formula One would be absurd Ecclestone also ruled out a different class of racing, such as Karting.

"I spoke to Mr Samaranch about this years ago when he was the President and he had a long think about it," Ecclestone told Pitpass.

"Up to now it's always been people, not mechanical things," he continued. "Although we've got cycling which is mechanical I suppose with all the new shoes and whatever. It would be impossible in that sense."

The Formula One supremo also denied that the constant media speculation surrounding his involvement with the Gribkowsky bribery case is getting to him. "I take everything as it is," the 81-year-old smiled.

When asked if he ever grew tired of the constant media attention he said: "No, not at all. It's part of the job!"