SEOUL -- When the 2017 Formula One season motor racing gets underway in a roar of engines on Melbourne in Sunday, it will signal the start of another crucial year for the sport, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
Japan the clear winner as motor racing's glamor sport fades across the region

Red Bull Racing F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo -- the only driver from the Asia-Pacific region -- during the first practice session on March 24 at the Australian Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne.
SEOUL -- When the 2017 Formula One season motor racing gets underway in a roar of engines on Melbourne in Sunday, it will signal the start of another crucial year for the sport, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.