Its 2012 and we are back racing, i am going to try attempt.... to evaluate what has happened since the start of the year in a general discussion provoking way: Pirelli + DRS: Pirelli has started this year with more headlines than it ended last year with. This year Pirelli has started with a more abrasive tyre. A tyre which cannot be abused, and requires an almost ritual like routine to get working optimally. I for one love Pirelli tyres and the work they have done for F1, which is often overlooked, some however donât agree with me. Now you can look at this two ways, is Schumacher actually standing up for the sport he loves or is he covering off the reason he canât succeed, Iâll let you decide that oneâ¦â¦ What are others views on tyres in F1, have we gone too far ? Who is on top ?: Not since 1983 have we seen 5 different constructors winning at 5 different races 1983: Piquet, Watson, Prost, Tambay and Rosberg 2012: Button, Alonso, Rosberg, Vettel, Maldonado From looking at that who really is ahead? Tyres have made this year a little harder to predict, a few different degrees each way and you have a different result, ask Nico Rosberg and see? Mclaren looked strong at the start, but not so much now. You have to feel even though Ferrari arenât strong they are still there. Lotus have appeared to be the most consistent of the top 4 teams, but can they keep up with the development of the big developing teams will be interesting to see. Red Bull and Mercedes continue to hang in there, but it is the smaller teams Williams and Sauber which are becoming top 10 regulars. BBC vs. SKY: So far BBC have shown two races live and the rest have been highlights, I must say I was surprised to see how extended the highlights are, which covers a fair amount of the race compared to what was feared before the season. Edwards and Coulthard have gelled well, and Edwards has the potential of a great commentator. I personally miss the input of Brundle on the BBC, but am not sad to not be hearing Croft. The two channels have been both respectable, but I always feel the BBC has a more friendly air to it. Whatâs everyone elseâs views ? The show: The show as its referred to, has never been much better in F1, as mentioned above 5 different constructors in 5 races not seen since 1983. Is this real racing or are we just putting on a show. Has F1 become too much of a lottery or is it still about the best cars?. I fear it may go too far to improve the show, but I suspect that natural order will be returned in the coming races as the teams get to grips with the tyres. That is my view on what has happened, please feel free to leave your thoughts so far of F1 2012. Thanks for reading, Sportydan
Good review. Pirelli + DRS: The Pirelli tyre debate is for another thread, but I'll say that I like the effect it's having on the racing and if Hamilton can adapt, so can any other driver. Still not a fan of DRS, but it looks like it's here to stay. Who is on top ?: Overall I'd say the order is: McLaren, Lotus, Red Bull, Mercedes, Williams, Sauber, Ferrari, Force India, Toro Rosso, Virgin, HRT At the moment I'd say the order is: McLaren, Williams, Ferrari, Lotus, Red Bull, Sauber, Mercedes, Force India, Toro Rosso, Caterham, Virgin, HRT The only thing I'm 100% sure of is that McLaren started the season fastest, and are still fastest. By the end of the season I expect things to stabilise as Williams, Lotus will be unable to keep up with McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull in car development.
