Wurz: F1 TV footage needs to enhance the speed

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Grand Prix Drivers' Association chairman Alex Wurz believes that Formula 1 needs to provide TV viewers with a better impression of the speed of this year's new-spec cars.

Wurz thinks a better use of camera angles and on-board footage would help enhance the viewing experience and captivate people's attention more intensely.

"The TV feed is already better because they have an on-board camera that shakes a bit," Wurz told Autosport.

"So the perception is it is faster, the cars are faster - you can see it.

"If the TV feed would go away from the old-school business model of big wide opened lenses to have few very fast shots, to capture the speed of the car for the eye, I think with these things, the sport will go in the right direction.

"And then it is up to the new owners to promote and promote and promote."

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For all the criticism dispensed towards F1 and the difficulty of overtaking, Wurz says fans should celebrate the return of authentic racing with cars drivers are clearly more happy to drive.

"The drivers like the cars," Wurz said.

"It is authentic and that comes across, which makes it much easier to sell.

"If you hear a multiple world champion short of breath on the radio, because he is pushing and he can push all the time, that doesn't require anyone to explain that it is physically tough and challenging to drive.

"Every lap they were pushing. That is cool. So I think the direction we are going is definitely one that is good."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.