Well, I miss the (old low tech) engines, especially the sound, V10 even better and these engines make a more level playing field not so easy to gain significant advantages as with the energy recovery systems etc, I don't even bother attending the current format GP races, I do go to the odd historic F1 race just for the sound.
Out of interest has anyone here actually been to a race since the 2014 engines came into effect? My last race was Hungary 2013 so I've not actually heard these engines in the flesh yet.
It's totally different in the flesh now than it used to be. I always used to explain to people the goosebumps you would get when the revs screamed as the lights went out.
All I want to say is that this season's engines sound better than last year. Actually, I want to say something else and perhaps it wanders off the topic of this thread… I think it is a great shame that in a world where motorsport's zenith sees its main priority as selling itself to keep afloat, it is not possible to grant carte blanche to allow complete freedom on engine configuration. But that's how it is. It's a product of what the big audience (as opposed to the purist view more likely found in a forum) demanded. The main concern is twofold: that of keeping lap times very similar throughout the grid – because not so long ago, the public cried out for overtaking (cheap or otherwise) – which happens less with a strung out field; and utilising, pioneering and developing sustainable technologies which hold meaning beyond the environs of a track. Motorsport's political scene is balanced on a tightrope. Two things are clear cut in my view: Red Bull's top brass is hypocritical. Anyone who's not just discovered F1 will know Marko and the mouthpiece in his corner make this very obvious. More than any other team in F1, they wanted (ney; pretty much demanded) the current engines. Complaints are far more likely to be voiced by losers. As I've said elsewhere, and despite their investment over the years (which has already been paid back with gigantic profit), I will be quite happy when (not if) Red Bull eventually walk away. Although they modelled their F1 involvement on the questionable ethics of the old Ferrari model, they differ from the historic team in a fundamental way. Ferrari will stick around – even if financial favouritism is withdrawn – whereas Red Bull seem the motorsport equivalent of bankers looking for short-term profits who look to blame all others when the wind stops blowing their way.
Cannot disagree with your observations here Cosi, I was quite happy with the V8s pre the silly tyre limitations regs, I guess those days are over, I think I'll stick with Historic F1, like those superb events at Donny where you can get right up close and in the garages. Short term profit, these ****ing bankers and accountants have a lot to answer for including the demise of UK manufacturing, Oh well. I could go on and on. Sorry for the language, but you know how I feel.
Smithers, yes, the hair on the back of my neck used to stand up man, words cannot describe the immense feeling of power that pounded your eardrums as these incredible machines and drivers departed the start line.
I was at Silverstone in 88 as a youngster. Still remember the difference in engine noise between the turbo's, V8 & V12 non-turbo units. At least back then each engine sounded different. A few people bemoan the loss of the 2.4 v8's to the new turbo's, but they all sounded the same and just made a loud screamy noise which could get quite irritating. Shame they didn't open up the regs up a bit to allow manufacturers to decide how many cylinders they have. edit. Thinking about it, it was only V8 Ford & Judd non-turbos in 88.. Turbo cars were choice of 4 or 6cyl, still all sounded different!
Who ever does the Spanish GP Thread.. the scores on the doors are: 2 Points: DHCanary, Pie!, , Paco Montoya, di Fredsta!, Eat Sleep Watch F1 Repeat, exfat, ErnieBecclestone, SgtBhaji, Max Whiplash, dhel, happyal, jonnybaws, , ched999uk, 51LV3R8RR04 1 Point: BojackHCAFCman, StGeordie, Dell Boy, TomTom94, El_Bando, allsaintchris, Mystic Nutmeg, cosicave, eddie_squidd, taeleon, fevriul, St. Slicks of Stoneham, PaulK I cocked up for the Chinese GP Thread and wasn't able to find out who voted for who so no one go any points!
I can do it tonight unless someone else is on it. For a bit of filler if anyone wants it: Paul Hembery, Pirelli motorsport director: “One of the things we have noticed so far is that this year Barcelona will once again be a front-limited circuit, from a tyre perspective. Last year, the increase in traction and torque from the cars meant that for the first time the race became a rear-limited event, with the useful life of the rear tyres dictating the pit stop strategy. Thanks to the improvements we made to the rear tyre construction for this year, we’re back to Barcelona being a front-limited circuit again. However, we do not expect this to mean that there will necessarily be more pit stops this year: last year the majority of competitors used a two-stop strategy and that will probably be the case again. The biggest unknown factor will be the weather: in the past we have seen some very hot weather in Barcelona, but it isn’t always guaranteed.”
