UK papers are not big fans of Midand F1 Racing

By Huw Alban
March 8 2006

If we ever needed proof that MF1 seriously annoyed the press last year, then we found it this week. Two so called ‘quality’ UK newspapers have cast complete scorn at Midland F1 Racing, writing off the chances of the team before they’ve even taken to the competitive race track.

On Monday, The Guardian published its Formula One 2006 season preview. “At least money-conscious MF1 would save on new letterheaded notepaper, and their cars are bound to handle like a suite of bedroom furniture,” was the newspaper’s vague attempt at humour as it suggested that the team should be sponsored by MFI.

For those that don’t know, MFI (More Furniture Ideas) is a chain of UK based furniture stores with a reputation for selling cheap and cheerful furniture that doesn’t last too well. It’s worth noting that respected newspaper, The Times, also took this cheap shot at the team in its preview of the season ahead.

Sorry, but this is an old joke, old news, and quite frankly not particularly funny in my opinion.

What dismays me the most was that this material was published by two of the most respected newspapers in the country? These broadsheets are normally associated with quality accurate news and analysis, and not out of date adolescent stabs more in keeping with tabloid publications featuring vast quantities of scantily clad young ladies!

Despite the obvious technical gains made by the team so far this season, and the large numbers of team quotes indicating the technical work still taking place, The Guardian’s feature contributor Mark Blundell also dismissed MF1 right from the outset. “New paint job, new chassis, but I don’t expect a lot of technical development from the start to the end of the season. It’s difficult to judge the drivers in these circumstances, but I don’t think we’ll see them very far up the field.”

It’s only now becoming clear just how much Midland pissed off the popular press last year, as so far there is a similar thread emerging in all the previews I’ve seen featuring this team. BigPip described The Guardian’s preview as a Cheap Comedian’s F1 Show yesterday evening and I’d tend to agree with him.

All of us here at MF1O are looking forward to some of those smug Brit press grins slipping a little after this weekend…