Formula Second-grade

Sir,

So from 1997 Formula One is to be screened by ITV. Fantastic. Nowadays we have three short sprints for most of the leading cars. Now it can be done properly.

All the championship contenders will have to decide on which laps they will stop. We stop the race, cars come in to refuel and re-tyre, and then restart in the previous order. While this is taking place the adverts can be screened.

Of course, the inimitable Murray Walker may be redundant. Love him or hate him, his true enthusiasm comes through in his commentary. Formula One would not be the same with some of the mediocre commentators I have heard on various motorsport programmes. Murray Walker makes it come alive. His glitches can be forgiven.

Second-rate commentary and advert breaks will, I feel, be a turnoff for me. BBC have done a magnificent job of promoting Formula One, and other branches of the sport, but of course in this day and age quality no longer counts. The great god money is paramount. I hope Mr Ecclestone will be satisfied with Formula Two on second-class Grand Prix presentations.

N E Williams, Winterbourne Dauntsey, Wilts.