Ecclestone plans to put brakes on F1 apathy

HIS tongue could well have been firmly in his cheek but Bernie Ecclestone’s latest theory on how to end Ferrari’s crushing dominance of Formula One is part of an ongoing crusade to stop armchair fans reaching for the off button.

Michael Schumacher strolled to a record-equalling fifth drivers' title with unprecedented ease this season with Formula One fans deserting the sport as competition dries up.

Ecclestone's multi-billion dollar show has failed to capture the imagination of fans this season with even hotbeds of motor-racing struggling to attract punters.