Olympics is for “athletes, not for equipment” says IOC President after F1 Olympics Rumours

International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge has scuppered any thoughts of Formula One being included in future Olympics.

Although admitting that grand prix drivers are “very courageous”, doctor Rogge – a guest of F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone – insisted that the Olympics is for “athletes, sale not for equipment”.

“While having a lot of respect, sales [motor sport] will not be included into the Olympic programme,” he is quoted by the Daily Mail.

He did however praise the sport, “There are many similarities between Formula One and the Olympic Games. Both are high quality sports and the competitors have the same spirit, the same mind,” Rogge said while touring the paddock at Silverstone with the F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone on Sunday.

“The Formula One riders are very great athletes, very fit, they are very courageous … and they also have to have strategic thinking and I have a lot of admiration for them,” Rogge said.

The 2012 Summer Games kick off in the British capital later this month.