F1 Has Landed

[Fez]

So the new season has started and though my reservations about the computers on wheels way the cars work still holds true, I was heartened at least by the first race from Melbourne. How much this was due to the grid shake up during the rain drenched first qualifying stint can't be denied, but the new rules regarding engines and tyres has made things very interesting.

Michael Schumacher was no where the whole race long even before he pulled another get out of my way, whoops I've just ploughed into the side of you hissy fit and dumped himself and Heidfeld out of the race, but Barricello really put the downers on his team-mate by coming second. The winner was deserving and kudos to Coulthard for coming fourth and putting his old team McClaren to shame.

I still say if they want to make the races more interesting they should dump the launch control / traction control, but as things go this season should (and really has to if my interest is to remain) be more exciting than last year.

[mr_e]

I was also pleasantly surprised not to see Schumacher or Ferrari take first place. Here's hoping for a more exciting formula one season.

It would also be a bit difficult to dump traction control now, as even land rovers have it, if I remember correctly. You've got to let them have something apart from giant engines, although it would make things a lot more unpredictable. In a good kind of way.

[Mike]

Unfortunately I was unable to watch the race as we had visitors. Not that I am complaining mind. I think it is the start of a more interesting season this year - lets just hope its not a complete walkover. . . .

[John Knight]

The only real way to make formula 1 truely exciting again would be to dump the downforce. Give em proper back proper slick tyres again so they got plenty of mechanical grip, this coupled with less driver aids would really sort the men out from the boys.

no downforce, means less turbulance behind cars, means chasers can get closer to back of person ifnront, means overtaking!

Yay! A proper race.


I even heard Ross Brawn (ferrari boss man topo dog big kahuna man)advocating this approach over current FIA guidlines on telly in sundays itv covarage.

[Mike]

Saw the Grand Prix yesterday, exciting race? I disagree, where is the fun having some of the fastest cars in the world limping around the circuit despirate to finish the race?

I prefere a sprint from start to finish. I felt so sorry for Barrichello, having to retire due to worn tires? It seems unsporting. . .

On the flip side it is more of a shakeup in the championships.

Mike

[Fez]

The interesting thing from the Malaysian Grand Prix was that the Renault's were great again despite the engine rule, and the BARs that had bent the rules at the end of Melbourne so they could have fresh engines for this race didn't make it past the first couple of laps.

Old engines triumph - new ones blow up...maybe Woody has been right about Renaults all along

[Mike]

The interesting thing from the Malaysian Grand Prix was that the Renault's were great again despite the engine rule, and the BARs that had bent the rules at the end of Melbourne so they could have fresh engines for this race didn't make it past the first couple of laps.

Old engines triumph - new ones blow up...maybe Woody has been right about Renaults all along

I dont really think that a 20 year old renault and a F1 engine have that much in common - maybe a normal renault in 20 years will have had more influences. :D

I am also surprised that Red Bull Racing have managed to pull Jaguar Racing so far in such a short time. What is the name of all things holy did ford do to that team??????

Mike

[John Knight]

The interesting thing from the Malaysian Grand Prix was that the Renault's were great again despite the engine rule, and the BARs that had bent the rules at the end of Melbourne so they could have fresh engines for this race didn't make it past the first couple of laps.

Old engines triumph - new ones blow up...maybe Woody has been right about Renaults all along

I dont really think that a 20 year old renault and a F1 engine have that much in common - maybe a normal renault in 20 years will have had more influences. :D

I am also surprised that Red Bull Racing have managed to pull Jaguar Racing so far in such a short time. What is the name of all things holy did ford do to that team??????

Mike

they spent a phenonemal amount of money on it and then panicked cos european operation loosing money hand over fist.

[Mike]

Hiya,

I am just watching this race at the moment. How cool has the passing been in this race?! And that pit strategy / spurt by M Schumacher was ace. He went from 12-13 to 3rd. Excellent. This is the best race I have seen this year.

Mike

[Fez]

Can't say I've seen any of it so far, though I'll try and catch the highlights some time later tonight. Who needs F1 when you can go to Oulton Park and watch some real live cars speeding about the place and knocking great wedges out of each other's body work?

I've had a great day out with my parents...yes, I really did just write that, watching the cars fly by and occasionally speed straight into a tire wall or go off road on the grass and spin back onto the track backwards as other drivers zip past. Single-seaters (mini F1 cars built by Audi), Ferrari challenge and classic cups, Chalmer 7's...it was ace - anyone want to go and see the Touring Car Championship there in June?

[Mike]

. . . .anyone want to go and see the Touring Car Championship there in June?

Wouldnt mind but need to get some sort of job first I think!

Mike