I think the main problem is still that HD is just starting up in European countries. In US HD has gone a long way already, they make most of their content in HD from news to TV series so they have something to broadcast.
But, not really a good businessman this Bernie. I'm sure he could make a sponsor deal with some home electronics manufacturer and a TV network to promote HD. Most people have TVs ready for it, and if you have cable you probably can already receive HD with an external receiver. What a better way to promote HD than F1 in Europe. I'd sure pay for it, well, if I had access to cable TV.
Does Eurosport have a HD channel?