The news that Roman Abramovich could be diversifying with regard to his sporting interests could soon be the talk of the tabloids.
According to reports reaching us it seems that Roman has been bitten by the Formula 1 bug and is keen to get his home country, Russia, involved. If his plans come to fruition, a brand spanking new complex, featuring a track suitable for Formula 1, will be built on the outskirts of Moscow, funded by Roman himself.
Our mega-rich owner is no stranger to the Grand Prix world having been seen in the company of the Formula 1 impresario Bernie Ecclestone on several occasions. Whilst Bernie?s love of football has been cultivated at Stamford Bridge, it would appear that Formula 1 has had the same effect on Roman.
Two years ago, Roman was spotted by the cameras of ITV on the grid prior to the start of the Monaco Grand Prix. Attempts to interview him met with the same polite refusal the media often get when they approach him. Perhaps an indication of his wealth is that amongst the plethora of luxury boats parked in the harbour, there was no sign of either of Roman?s yachts. It turns out the yacht he had travelled to the circuit in was too big for the harbour entrance and was moored up outside the harbour.
More recently, Abramovich and Ecclestone have been seen at various functions one of these being the official 100 year centenary bash at the Butchers Hook, a do at which I was privileged to attend. However, I must admit I didn?t witness them engaging in too much conversation that night.
There is no questioning that Formula 1 is a high profile sport that has always been the playground of the rich. However, there is no doubting, that with a personal fortune many will only ever dream of, that Roman fits the bill.
Bringing the Formula 1 circus to Moscow will bring with it the plethora of revenue generating advertising and could open up this former communist country to further revenue streams. In the long term, it could sadly herald the death of the British Grand Prix.
For several years the future of the Silverstone event has been shrouded in doubt and with the possible introduction of another circuit competition for places could become unhealthy for the Northamptonshire based circuit. Looking on the bright side though, the involvement of Roman could herald a new dawn for Chelsea Football Club.
Is it to much to hope that in years to come we?ll all be cheering a Formula 1 team marauding around these high speed circuits emblazoned with our club colours? You never know.
As an aside, Grand Prix races are usually preceded by other races involving saloon cars. If Russia, courtesy of Roman?s involvement, were to obtain a Grand Prix round wouldn?t it be nostalgic to see thirty old Trabant cars belting around the circuit?
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