I came across an interesting article the other day which had been printed in the British Times newspaper. There were around 10 suggestions to make F1 less processional, and I present some of these for your opinions as well.
The first suggestion was a Handicap System to add weight to the cars according to finishing places. This would mean that consistent front runners would have to carry more weight, which would then slow them down. This has been used in other formulae, and even in horseracing. Has some merits.
The second suggestion was to ban in-car technology, including reducing the size of front and rear wings, have metal brakes and not carbon fiber, ban “ship to shore” communications and bring back manual gearboxes. Turning the clock back a bit, but would undoubtedly help, in my opinion.
Another suggestion involved not only just one tank of fuel, but also just one set of tyres. There is much merit in this. Obviously a punctured tyre could be replaced, but not all four. With the official tyre suppliers providing tyres that can only run for 10 laps this is truly silly, as well as being a poor advert for their product.
Another suggestion was that all drivers should be prepared to fight all through the race, and not expect that back markers have to move over when being lapped. The concept being if the driver was that good to get a lap in front, he’s good enough to show us how he can pass slower cars.
What about reverse grids? One reader suggested that the results of this week’s GP are reversed for the next one. I like the basic idea, but it is not workable in that format. What would be better, I believe, is to give points for qualifying, but the grid positions of the top 10 are then reversed. This way there would be no ‘sand-bagging’ as points would be at stake.
Other ideas included limiting the number of engines and gearboxes per season, restricting the final qualifying run to one flying lap only and drivers ballot for whatever car they get. The last one interesting, but hardly practical, I feel.
And did you know when these suggestions were sent in? 2002, almost ten years ago. The problem with lack of excitement and passing action is not new. Shame that the FIA still hasn’t worked out how to overcome the deficiencies – and KERS and DRS certainly isn’t the answer.
