23/08/2004
NEWS STORY
A couple of years ago, Spaniards paid scant regard to F1, preferring their motorsport confined to two-wheels. Then came Fernando Alonso.
Since the young Spaniard returned to F1, following a season with Minardi and a further year as test driver, his countrymen appear to have rediscovered Formula One.
His employers, Renault, pulled off a masterstroke by underwriting some of the cost of broadcasting F1 in Spain, and in the wake of the youngster's historic achievements - youngest ever driver to take pole position, youngest driver to win a Grand Prix - viewing figures have gone through the roof.
It's understood that 3.9 million people watched the French GP earlier this year, approximately 40% of the available TV audience. Furthermore, it's believed that last week's Hungarian GP - Alonso won the 2003 event - attracted 2.4 million viewers more than the Olympics.
All this is excellent news for F1, Renault and its various sponsors, including Spanish telecoms operator Telefonica.
Another interested party is Spanish oil company Repsol YPF, which is understood to have a considerable amount of sponsorship money available to any team that might be willing to employ a Spanish driver in 2005, most notably Pedro de la Rosa.
It's believed that Repsol is currently looking at Jordan.