Formula 1 - 2010 Abu Dhabi GP (BBC intro)

"Out of the silent winter a familiar sound grew, distant at first but then louder. And with an explosion of noise and sound the circus blew into the sands of Bahrain: the race was on. Round the world it travelled ; this riot of noise, fumes, colour and drama ; this glamourous troupe to entertain the people who flocked to see their heroes in glistening machines.

First into the ring came the riders of the bull: in German and Australian hands it flew and the champagne flowed from the new world to the old. The challenge was laid down. Could they now steal the spotlight from those two British stars? Two champions in one team with different styles: one full of flair and on the edge, the other calm and methodical, both keen to add another crown - both at times still revelled in the acclaim of the crowd. But perhaps the most celebrated machine of all would come out on top: a flash of red and a wave of a flag, the charging bull may have met its match in the prancing horse.

How another man, an ageing and fading star, would have loved to have been riding his old charriot. Once untouchable he had forgotten the most important rule: always leave them wanting more. And with that and other failures, there's also a reminder that great men are nothing without great machines. But of course even more is sometimes needed, in this game where sport and politics do mix every team of course has its favorite son.

But how does this story finish? Still so close, still no one can tell. Five continents crossed, five men hoping to be the ultimate star. In the desert it began and in the desert it will finish. But will the ringmaster have his grand finale here to the greatest show on Earth?"

Aired on the BBC F1 Forum after the 2010 Brazilian Grand Prix. Narrated by Eddie Jordan. Music is "The Boathouse" by John Murphy from The Last house on the Left soundtrack (thanks allegrasvarvagilia for the tip).

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