Maranello, 4 February

Not long ago, Formula 1 was seen as done for and in decline. During 2009, all sorts of extraordinary measures were invoked to try and save it from disappearing completely. Judging by some figures relating to the recent three day test in Valencia, our sport would seem to be in pretty rude health. The press room was packed with around three hundred journalists, photographers and TV crews and the grandstands accommodated no less than 56,000 spectators, despite it taking place on weekdays, with 36,000 yesterday alone. It was such a big crowd that the exit off the Valencia – Madrid A3 motorway saw queues more typical of a summer break weekend.

These numbers are very significant, testifying to the enormous enthusiasm that, despite everything, Formula 1 continues to generate. Okay, it has to be said that the “Ricardo Tormo” circuit was hosting seven new cars making their debuts and at some point or other, no less than four world champions were in action. Added to that was the return of Michael Schumacher, but the main attraction was undoubtedly, Fernando Alonso’s first official appearance in red. This is what the fans want to see: the big name teams and drivers going head to head on track, with different cars to look at, all revealing the latest technical innovations. These are the elements that make up the DNA of Formula 1 and that is something that should never change.