Sunama, I take it back!
- Thread starter smr
- Start date
I do find it strange that F1 fans all over the world complain about the processional racing (especially with the current RBR dominance). Then, when F1 bodies/officials offer ideas to prevent the procession and increase unpredictability, the idea is rubbished.
The way I see it is that if you dislike the artificial methods to spice up racing (ie. movable rear wings, KERS, water on track, etc), you shouldn't complain about the processional racing, lack of overtaking opportunities (even if you are behind a car 1-2s/lap slower) or the RBR/Vettel dominance.
The truth is that the aerodynamicists and design equipment which F1 teams employ, have become so good, that close (wheel-to-wheel) racing, will rarely be seen again, unless we went backwards (technologically) by a few decades.
The way I see it is that if you dislike the artificial methods to spice up racing (ie. movable rear wings, KERS, water on track, etc), you shouldn't complain about the processional racing, lack of overtaking opportunities (even if you are behind a car 1-2s/lap slower) or the RBR/Vettel dominance.
The truth is that the aerodynamicists and design equipment which F1 teams employ, have become so good, that close (wheel-to-wheel) racing, will rarely be seen again, unless we went backwards (technologically) by a few decades.
He's a business man. The Bahrain GP debacle is getting all the F1 headlines, so he is probably looking to deflect away from the Bahrain problems.
Bernie will do whatever it takes to ensure that the Bahrain GP goes ahead later this year, so he probably doesnt want people to concentrate on any human-rights violations which may be occurring in Bahrain.
The guy is a fantastic business man.
I love wet races more than dry ones for the excitement they bring but they shouldn't make them wet artificially, focus should be put on improving dry racing.
The whole problem imo is that cars have too much grip but of course reducing grip also makes the sport more dangerous and they won't stand for that.
I agree, we already have some gimmicky races like the night race so an artificially wet one once a year wouldn't do any harm, to do it every race though would take the ****.
The whole problem imo is that cars have too much grip but of course reducing grip also makes the sport more dangerous and they won't stand for that.
I agree, we already have some gimmicky races like the night race so an artificially wet one once a year wouldn't do any harm, to do it every race though would take the ****.
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I'd go along with this.
Do it as a gimmick, once a year, on a track which is known for being dry, to generate some extra excitement and interest in the sport...in a similar way to how we have 1 or 2 night races a year. Just to add some spice.
A good example is the Singapore GP. If this was a day race...it would be pretty boring. However, because it is held under the night lights, there is an added level of atmosphere and excitement which surrounds the event.
Soldato
I see this hasnt died yet, he is speaking again about it
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/9432232.stm
he is the sepp blatter of motosport.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/9432232.stm
he is the sepp blatter of motosport.
If it was done every single race it would make a mockery of F1.
This is true.
I think what was stated earlier in this thread, makes the most sense:
have 1 artificial wet race per season, in order to create some variation and (media) excitement.
Ideally, it would need to be targeted towards a typically boring track. Unfortunately, it couldn't be done for the Middle Eastern tracks as water is scarce there, otherwise those 2 tracks would be prime candidates.
One major problem though would be the environmental angle - the amount of water needed to keep a full track, totally wet for 90-120 minutes is immense, especially if the track temperature is high.
have a couple of completely soaked corners - as imo - tracks with differing conditions around them are more challlanging than either a wet race or a dry race, and do this for 25 laps or so (either at once or in two "spurts")
Bahrain would be ideal, but as you pointed out it wont ever happen due to water shortages there
Bahrain would be ideal, but as you pointed out it wont ever happen due to water shortages there
This could work.
Basically it would be like having a hose pipe left on and a steady stream of water trickling down, completely soaking the corner.
The problem is that I don't think it would be a good idea to have only a partial (fake) wet race. If you are going to advertise and market a particular GP as a wet race, you really need to soak the entire track. This way, the fans, get what was advertised...ie. a completely soaked track.
The media hype surrounding an artificially wet race would be MASSIVE, as I don't think (somebody correct me if I'm wrong) it has ever been done before and only F1 could afford to do something so lavish and outrageous.
I think Bernie is really aiming to increase TV audiences, in a time when all sports are adapting to the times, to compete for TV audiences. I was watching the Cricket World Cup on the telly a few days back and things have completely changed. The game has become so much more exciting and spectator friendly since 10-15 years ago. They have lots of technology, colourful team strips, powerplays, etc. The game is far more exciting than it ever was.
There are some F1 purists who feel that F1 should be allowed to continue as it has done for decades, but this cannot be allowed to happen. In order to make the sport bigger or at least hold its currentTV audience share, it needs to come up with gimmicks which will draw casual watchers into the sport, in the hope that the casual viewers will get hooked and become regular viewers.
F1:
has already increased the number of races,
is now hosting races in countries which have never had F1 races before
is now having races at night, under night lights
is now more time friendly to European audiences
is now introducing gadgets/gizmos to make overtaking easier
The next logical step is to start having 1 or 2 artificially wet races. At first, it shall be experimented with. If successful, then it shall become a regular fixture.
I see your point about only partially wet - Im just not sure if a fake wet race would be any better / worse than a fully dry one, unless they alter the flow rate every so often, so the drivers get suddenly surprised with a real (artificial) downpour for a few minutes or something.
I agree with your list about extending races etc - the only thing I would say is that its only going to different countries because Bernie is having mega- money thrown at him (its not really to benefit the audience as such), the others mentioned in your list are to benefit the audience directly
Ok, look at it this way.
If Bernie does his "business man thing" and makes F1 bigger. More TV companies will get involved, as there is an audience/demand for it.
The bigger the audience, the more money will be pumped into the sport. The more money that the sport gets, the bigger it becomes. Its like a cycle.
As an F1 lover, I see it in the best interests of the sport that F1 becomes as big as possible. I for one, welcome more races. I also welcome more teams on the grid.
You may think that the quality of racing offered in the middle eastern countries is poor (and I would 100% agree), but I would much rather have a poor race, than no race at all.
In the last 2 decades, Football/Soccer has become MASSIVE. You have transfer fees going through the roof, as well as player wages. You also have sponsors paying more and more money to sponsor teams. Cricket is also following the same route now (with the IPL). Unless F1 makes itself more attractive and attracts a greater audience, it will get left behind by other more forward-thinking sports.
Since Bernie took over F1 a few decades ago, F1 has gone from strength to strength. The guy is a fantastic businessman and knows how to market/sell his product (F1).
ok maybe I rephrased it wrong - if other countries had had the cash 10 years ago to stage a race, I dont think Bernie would have said no 
I just hope that this isnt a slippery slope and the season in 10 years time isnt predominantly outside Europe (Brazil and Aussie and Japanese /Suzuka classic tracks aside - Canadian Im not sure I would miss too much but its better than some much newer tracks) - 10 out of 19 outside Europe is too much for me really on 2011 calendar, 11 out of 20 when the new USA track gets raced.
Sometimes BE takes it too far imo, chasing the bigger £££
I just hope that this isnt a slippery slope and the season in 10 years time isnt predominantly outside Europe (Brazil and Aussie and Japanese /Suzuka classic tracks aside - Canadian Im not sure I would miss too much but its better than some much newer tracks) - 10 out of 19 outside Europe is too much for me really on 2011 calendar, 11 out of 20 when the new USA track gets raced.
Sometimes BE takes it too far imo, chasing the bigger £££
Is there anything wrong with F1 becoming a global sport?
Say, 10 races in EU and 10 outside?
I don't see anything wrong with this.
From a business perspective...its fantastic. When sponsors sign up, they know that their advertising will be seen in different parts of the world and not just in EU. This means that teams can demand a higher fee from sponsors, which in turn allows teams to be better funded to create better motor technologies.
I only wish that F1 teams could invest more in technologies which can later filter down to road cars. Traction control was fantastic. KERS would be great if it could be used in road cars.
Say, 10 races in EU and 10 outside?
I don't see anything wrong with this.
From a business perspective...its fantastic. When sponsors sign up, they know that their advertising will be seen in different parts of the world and not just in EU. This means that teams can demand a higher fee from sponsors, which in turn allows teams to be better funded to create better motor technologies.
I only wish that F1 teams could invest more in technologies which can later filter down to road cars. Traction control was fantastic. KERS would be great if it could be used in road cars.
Associate
Harsh but true..... he realy dose need to bugger off.
He's a fantastic businessman and is responsible for increasing the popularity and global recognition of F1.
Can you name anybody who you think could do a better job?
I would love to hear your recommendations of who should replace him as the head honcho of the business arm of F1.
Can you name anybody who you think could do a better job?
I would love to hear your recommendations of who should replace him as the head honcho of the business arm of F1.