i really don't agree on that, surely the rules would literally then just be defined by a popularity contest.
A popularity contest on what most fans want to see? Say if the double points rule idea went to a worldwide poll on the FIA's website then the results would show what the fans want not what the greedy want.
Would suit Ferrari as they have globaly the biggest fan base in F1. Am sure even then they could still screw it up.
You'd think he'd want a popularity contest, given he's not too keen on Hamilton, and Hamilton's about as popular as a wart on balls right now.
depends to what extent you're giving "fans" control, and what do most fans want to see? their favourite driver or team win?
There is no doubt about it that the sport has become too prescriptive. What made F1 successful was balls out innovation and driver ferocity in the face of adversity. It has lost the edge, glamour and is too much big business. Limiting the fuel usage and flow put drivers into maintenance mode, as they are with the tyres. One reason Ferrari were once so successful was because they had tyres no one else had, that wasn't good either. To recreate the spectacle you need to deregulate. However, I don't think the normally aspirated engine vs. the Turbo era was good for the sport either so there need to be some basic standards. Some things I would propose 1. Let the fatties drive and raise the weight limit, let the sport attract the talent and not those who can survive on a carrot a day. The sport is losing established talent and restricting talent generation. People love a scrapper. 2. I don't think the sport has to be setting the example in fuel consumption but the more fuel a car carries the more weight it is carrying. I would raise teh limit, say by 10% and not have a fuel flow meter. Essentially this would allow for a proper scrap. 3. Don't impede the drivers with so much tyre degradation, enough that if a driver is bad he pays but not to the extent of today. 4. I would have more 'open source' technology. Not every aspect but enough to squeeze the pack up tighter so driver input becomes more significant. This would help the minnows. 5. Restricting engine power to a maximum Horse Power. More to follow...got to run an errand.
I think during 2011-13, the promise of the 2014 regs meant most just suffered in the hope that 2014 would mix things up. Whilst it has in a way, the end result is pretty similar. If the formula is to be seriously changed again, I don't think it's possible before 2016, and even then would have to be limited to aero changes - these engines need time. Ferrari's problem is definitely Ferrari, not the regulations. No doubt they wouldn't be complaining if they were in Mercedes positions, just as Mercedes aren't now. Their approach to F1 hasn't progressed since the Schumacher dominance ended, whilst the likes of Red Bull and Mercedes have built much more cutting edge cultures. I mean how can Ferrari still have wind tunnel issues? It's been ongoing for what feels like season after season, and I'm still not convinced they've completely solved it. Red Bull or Mercedes would have had that sorted in 6 months, tops.
In reality, one team was always going to come out of the gate way faster than the rest, so what needs to be looked at now is how to make the field more competitive under the current format. Ferrari need to just get on with it like every other team. RBR are slowly chipping away and stole a win in Canada... Where were Ferrari? Not even close. (Even with retirements) They can't blame that on regs. It's poor management choice, poor driver choice (in Kimi rather than a young-gun) and terrible development. They're squandering their resources and looking to deflect blame. Before anyone tries to claim I'm a bias fanboy Hamelot... Look at my sig. I'm just not blind to Ferrari's failings.
Standing saftey car restarts in 2015 as part of a whole new draft of changes to 'improve the show' http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/114529 You know what would improve the show? If we stopped treating it like one and started treating it more like an actual sport. They're trying to attract casual fans, but the fans think these changes are freaking ******ed and the sport becomes laughed at and ridiculed (I know this is the case with a few of my mates). Then the powers-that-be wonder why they're becoming disenchanted with their fans, it's because time and time again they're not listening to them! They think they know what we want better than we do and they just don't have a clue.
Only the control to stop any ridiculous rules coming that would be a turn off. The actual rule ideas could still be proposed by the F1 Strategy group. The fans voice needs to be heard because fans are a sports biggest investor.
TBH standing starts make sense in a way. Instead of wasting fuel driving round circles for 10 laps. then waiting for back markers to get round. Its also safer for marshals to clear the track What would be better is a standing start doing a warm up lap and then having a rolling start the following lap. Vote Bando for FIA president
Safety cars already penalise the lead driver, this is just making the result even more artificial. I could go for there being a restart if it was the first 10 laps, but after that its unnecessary.
Totally unnecessary. Say someone stalls on the grid, they have to go around and do another lap and reform on the grid again? The chances of there being a further accident after a restart will increase, so more safety cars could be required. Daft idea
Safety cars are a daft idea: please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image
Yeah, nothing 'safe' about them at all [video=youtube;2eGumLqAihI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eGumLqAihI[/video]
This is going to cause lots of problems. The engines can't keep running while sitting waiting for track to be cleared they will over heat. So they will have to switch them off then have pit crew restart engines. So more wear and tear on clutches and transmission, so more money in development and testing required. What happens if the accident is on the grid? Where do they restart from? A slightly better idea would be everyone goes back to pit garages and then when track clear they all start engines and make way to grid for a restart. Maybe while in pits they can change tyres and make changes to cars including suspension?
