Formula One Races Ahead -- F1全速前进（一）

Formula One Races Ahead

——The world's leading motor sport attracts new fans in Asia

        Sleek cars race at high speeds as top racecar drivers compete for millions of dollars in prizes. Welcome to Formula One Grand Prix racing, the world’s premier motor-racing competition!

        Each racecar must meet certain specifications in everything from the engine to the tires. These make up the "formula" in Formula One (F1). The F1 cars are not only the most technologically advanced but also some of the faster in the world. At times, they reach speeds of over 190 mph. In addition, F1 cars are the world's most expensive racecars. Millions of dollars go into their research, manufacturing and operation.

        It's the driver's skill, however, that makes or breaks the race. The driver who can turn corners the fastest without losing control is often the winner. And the winner can earn big money in these races. Forbes magazine listed F1 racecar driver Michael Schumacher as the second highest-paid athlete in 2005 after Tiger Woods.

Word Bank

premier (adj) 一流的；首要的

Only top players can compete at Wimbledon, England's premier tennis tournament.

specification (n) 規格

What are the specifications of your new kitchen cabinets? How big are they going to be?

technologically (adv) 工藝上；科技上

Right now, living in the moon is technologically impossible.

make or break something (idiom) 決定……的成功或失敗

A politician's ability to connect with voters can make or break a political career.