Super Sunday - the best a fan can get

RTE Sport, the sports section of the Irish national broadcaster says that practice for the first A1 GP was spoilt by red flags caused by rookie drivers.

The station clearly has its head up its Americanised rectum because, either, all

of the drivers in the A1 series are, by definition, rookies as they are all new to the series or none are, as all have considerable racing experience, some in very similar cars, some in more powerful cars and some in cars that are a bit of a step down. How Americanised? Aside from the fact that the term "rookie" is from American racing (although it has been heard in other formulae from time to time), it's Americanised enough that the story about single seater, open wheel racing on proper race circuits was accompanied by a picture of a NASCAR saloon car race on an oval.

Bad move, RTE - for whilst the A1 series has barely rated a mention in the US media, it is already starting to gain quite a buzz amongst racing fans everywhere else and to be disparaging about it at this juncture smacks of, at best, prejudging without have heard the evidence..

The first race in the series will be held tomorrow at Brands Hatch in England. Although there are likely to be mishaps and mechanical casualties, 25 cars with identical cars and engines on the Grand Prix circuit are bound to make many conversions.

Meanwhile, a third of the way around the world, Fernando Alonso will become Formula One World Champion for 2005 unless something strange happens. He is so far ahead in the Championhip that for his nearest rival Raikanon to win, Kimi needs to win every race and Alonso needs to fail to score. So basically, even if Kimi wins in Interlagos, a finish in the top eight will seal the Championship for Alonso, making him the youngest F1 champion ever.

And travel another third around the world and you wind up in Malaysia where, barring a silly escapade like t-boning another rider as he did last weekend in Japan, Valentino Rossi will become MotoGP champion.

In Asia, armchair racing fans will have 125, 250 and 500CC motorcycling, then just two hours later several A1GP programmes plus the race and then, just allowing time for a late dinner, the Brazillian Grand Prix running well into the night.

In Europe, the timing is all shifted forwards so it will be breakfast in Malaysia, Sunday lunch in England and dinner in Brazil. Now that's a day to look forward to.

Pass the tea, please, Maude. I don't intend to move.