No refuelling

[daz 0]

I agree with you Jens that something like Raikkonen winning the opening race would definitely heighten the awareness of F1 again & most likely improve the no of spectators to the sport. However I also feel that this increase will only be a short term affect lasting a couple races (till the average viewer figures out the new rules). Basically with the new rules as they stand I've got serious reservations that any long term increase in viewership will occur. In fact I wouldn't be surprised to see a decline in viewership again.

Some of my reasoning for this is as follows:

1.) If I'm watching the qualifying sessions and because of a few very stupid rules (i.e. refueling rule) its the Minardi's / Jordans / BAR'S etc.. all in a position to get pole position instead of the "big 3" I'm going to get annoyed. If I know that the rules/ race strategy are now dictating pole position instead of it being the best team/driver why should I even bother watching the qualifying at all??

2.) Because of the trend to try and limit technological advance, you are eventually going to end up with a grid of 20 identical cars on the grid. Sure it might lead to interesting racing but isn't F1 supposed to be the most technologically advanced form of motorsport after all? Additionally what is now going to differentiate it from any other one or two make motor racing event. Overall I beleive the teams will end up losing their unique identitys and that afterall is a very important part of F1.

3.) I don't like the idea that its the rules that must be changed to try and bring the field closer and spice things up, instead of doing the right thing and waiting for the other teams to catch up to the leader (I think that Frank Williams said awhile back that he he would have no pride in beating Ferrari if it wasn't purely on merit due to their own hard work). My feelings exactly.

4.) F1 is an expensive sport. Period. If you can't afford to play with the big boys then stay in the minor leagues. Why should all the top teams be expected to drop to the level of the smaller teams or end up funding them? To me the teams should be rewarded for a job well done - not being mediocre and pleading poverty. Overall a lack of development in F1 will lead to a boring world championship and viewership will suffer yet again.

Anyway - now that I've had my rant, I'm likely to be proved totally wrong and the new rules end up working after all. Just think that I'll wait and see how things pan out in two weeks time.

[nichosnz 0]

I am unsure Rod why 9 dropped F1, because apparently Australia is one of the countries where the numbers are up.

Also I find it amusing that everyone says 'get rid of driver aids, TC, LC, Auto, Telemetry'. But as soon as McLaren and Williams complain that they are going, everyone is on their side, saying 'don't play with the rules'. That is why I am being a bit of a hard nose about the issue. I'm sticking with what I've always said.

[rodders47 2]

Hi Nichos,

yep can see where your coming from , I don't agree but well thats personal oppinion. For me the OUTLAWING of ALL PIT FENSE controls on a race car should be applauded, and well the NEED for a gear change lever on the side of the c##Kpit would be nice as well, but thats history, but hell that was one part of motor racing I loved, changing gear at the right moment up or down !!!!

As for Melbourne , if Kimi won would be great , but hey consider if Mark Weber WON !!!!! not impossible to concieve, Australia would blow the roof off LOL.... Just reflect on the amount of publicity Mark got coming 5th last year

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

Maybe if Ralf tries to go even higher over Rubens this year the pileup could be bigger, and Webber could take the honours?

[nichosnz 0]

That was one heck of a passing move. The most spectacular one in a loooong time.

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

Oooooh but we cannot forget good old Toranosuke Takagi at the Italian GP in 1999, attempting to fly over Luca Badoer heading into turn one...

[nichosnz 0]

Takagi, now that brings back some humorous memories. Better than Mazzacane, but worse then Yoong in the sympathy stakes.