Monthly Archives: November 2011

DRS – For or Against

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Back in June I ran a debate and poll on the popularity of DRS. To my surprise, 63% voted in favour of the controversial system. Now the season draws to a close this weekend, I’ve decided to do the same again to see if the popularity of it has wavered at all. Like before, I’ll be putting the case against forward with Paul Havell telling us why he thinks it’s improved F1.

Firstly Paul and his case for: The FIA introduced a few changes for 2011, one of these being DRS or Drag Reduction System, the idea being that the cars would have a portion of the rear wing able to move at the drivers command and thereby reduce downforce for a limited amount of time in order to pass other cars on track.

I am a fan of DRS its made this years racing so much more spectacular, there have been some really good battles between not only the top 4 teams but lower down the grid too. DRS has allowed this. With rule being that a driver can only use his DRS when he’s within 1 second of the car in front its made for great racing with driver giving their all to get within that 1 second and then to be able to deploy the DRS

Those against DRS will tell you that it a phony pass if the DRS is used but I don’t see it that way, if a driver drives to get within that 1 second then passes with ease then its up to the driver that has been passed to keep within the 1 second and then re-pass, this equals more overtaking and hence more spectacle.

The constant use of DRS also has a great effect on the fragile tyres that the FIA put in place this year, so when Lewis has had to come from way down the grid like he has a couple of times this season he’s had to use his head a bit more to save the tyres, without constant downforce the make-up of the Pirelli tyre changes drastically and by making 7/8 places up on the grid by using DRS on the track will lose you something like 3 to 4 laps of tyre wear which the drivers and the teams have to factor into their strategies.

Simply put DRS is not a simple “push to pass” switch on the drivers steering wheel.It may look that way but when you break it down there’s a whole lot more going on and many more things to be taken in to consideration.

If it brings us racing like we’ve had this year then I for one say it should stay..

And my case against: It is fair to say that I’ve not been a fan of DRS from the outset. I see it as a handicap system that favours the chasing driver to the expense of the driver with track position.

While 2011 will undoubtedly go down as one of the most exciting on record and rightly so, it is more down to fantastic job that Pirelli have done as opposed to the rear wing letter box.

Statistics released by Mercedes GP reveal the truth, in 2009 there were 244 competitive overtakes and 547 in 2010. By the midpoint of this year, there had already been 653 passes on track but only 29% by the way of DRS! Which means without it, we would have approximately 900 overtakes at the end of the season without any driver being given an unfair advantage.

The Drag reduction system had little or no effect around Barcelona and Sliverstone, which I was happy to see but at places like Turkey saw as many as 50 (easy) passes completed half way down the straight.

I think the worst thing about DRS for me is the fact that it replaced the F-Duct, a truly innovative way to gain extra straight line speed. The F-Duct was banned on safety grounds, as drivers had to drive one-handed to activate it but surely it could have been modified to be activated via a button like DRS is! F1 is about innovation and that is one thing that DRS isn’t and has no place in F1.

 

Ferrari Confidant Without blowing Hot Air

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Ferrari boss, Stefano Domenicali say that the team can take some positives from this season. On the face of it, you may have to try hard to find any. However, as we look towards 2012, the Prancing Horse have two big reasons to be confidant.

Ferrari had never managed to get the exhaust blown diffuser working to the same level as Red Bull or McLaren, putting them on the back foot from the offset. “We missed out from the technical point of view – the big theme of this year was the blowing exhaust diffuser. Then we caught up a little bit, we had quite a good beginning of the summer where we could have won two more races with no problems to be honest with you, and that is to do with the luck or bad luck of this year, and then we missed a big development for Belgium that made the difference in the second part of the season.” Said Domenicali.

The underlying pace of the Ferrari was showcased at Silverstone in July thanks to the restrictions on the EBDs and engine mapping. McLaren and Red Bull Struggled without this ace up their sleeves and Alonso took their first win of the season. This would prove to be a false dawn for Domenicali and his team as the restrictions were lifted in time for the next round in Germany, prompting the team to switch development to their 2012 challenger as Domencali explained. “And that is why basically at the end of July we stopped the development of the car and so basically we are trying now to maximise the performance that we had.”

Ferrari certainly has less to lose with the banning of EBDs. Coupled with the early start of full focus on their 2012 car, I’m sure they will once again be force to be reckoned with for race victories.

*BREAKING* Donington Collection Visit News

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I’m sure by now that if you’re not signed up for my visit to Donington Park to see the Grand Prix Collection on 7th January, you’ve heard about it, right?

If not let me re-cap, so far 50 or so F1 fans are to descend to the Grand Prix Collection on 7th January. In my original post, I explained for the discounted price of just £6 we would have access to the largest private collection of F1 cars in the world!

Now I can tell you that in addition to this, after we’ve finished in the Museum, we will be doing a track walk! We’ll get to retrace the steps (a little slower) of Ayrton Senna’s finest racing lap as he went from 5th to 1st in the 1993 European GP. Also we’ll get to see where Nigel Mansell knocked himself out in a touring car race the same year (he still blames Tiff Nedell for it to this day).

If you’ve never been before, standing at Hollywood (Turn 1), looking down through the Craner curves to the old hairpin is a daunting prospect, just thinking about driving it, let alone in the wet, in a F1 car side by side!

If you haven’t already signed up for this great day out, let me know if you want to come by leaving a comment in the box below but make sure to leave your email address so I can keep you up-to-date, thanks.

I Hate To Say I Told You So

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I have been against circuits being granted F1 races before they are built since it became a trend 10 years ago. The only surprise is that it’s took this long for a high profile new addition to the calendar to go belly up.

I quipped on twitter yesterday that the “gun slinging Texans had shot themselves in the foot” on hearing the news that work at the Circuit of the Americas had stopped. Having caught up on the full extent of the problems, it would seem as if they have blown their head off. The scale and complexity of the whole saga has become clear with Tavo Hellmund being stripped of his contract to stage the race having been found to beach the agreement. Rival party, COTA have been in negotiations for some time with Bernie Ecclestone but thus far have failed to deliver the credit note that would secure a contract for Ecclestone.

Bernie has obviously learnt for the Donington saga in 2008, where Donington Ventures LTD failed to raise the funds needed to redevelop the Leicestershire track, leaving the historic venue on the brink of disappearing all together.

I suppose, if the race isn’t going to go ahead. It’s better for it to be now, rather that mid way through the season, as nearly happened with the inaugural Korean Grand Prix. Teams of workmen were literally painting around the teams the week before the race in a desperate attempt to be ready. With Russia and New Jersey due to joining the calendar shortly, what assurances can the teams behind these venues give to Bernie to the contrary.

Hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix is a privilege, not a right to whoever can afford one. Along with proving management/financial stability, new venue should be made to operate for 12 months, where they can demonstrate that the circuit is safe enough to host F1 and that there is support for motor racing in general, not just Grand Prix.

Although I’ve entitled this piece, ‘I Hate To Say I Told You So’ I don’t want any circuit to fail but I do think with the way Races have been promised (like Donington) it was just a matter of time before this happened.

Questions, Questions, Questions……..

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And no answers forthcoming! It seems the F1 silly season has left it to the last minute to get into full swing and with nothing coming from the team’s in Abu Dhabi last weekend, we’re still none the wiser.

Obviously the biggest talking point of the weekend is the future of 2007 world champion, Kimi Räikkönen. While the iceman was on World Rally duty in Wales, his management team were spotted in the Williams hospitality area at Yas Marina working on the deal. The sticking point is said to be Sir Franks unwillingness to give Kimi equity in the team as part of the deal, something the Finn is apparently keen on. It does look as though both sides are keen to iron out any hitches to the deal, Sir Frank jetted out to Qatar after the race to continue talks with QNB over the sponsorship deal that would enable them to sign the Finn.

Williams have been clear that Kimi is just one of several options open to them, but is clearly their preferred choice. Other options include Force India’s, Adrian Sutil, who’s future still hangs in the balance with Nico Hulkenberg looking to take his seat for next year.

Bruno Senna could still be a surprise contender for Williams. Doubts persist over Kubica’s fitness for the start of 2012 and it’s believed Renault (Lotus for 2012) are keen to partner Petrov with GP2 Champion, Romain Grosjean  until the pole is fit enough. Rubens Barrichello told reporters last weekend that he is looking at all options to secure a place on the grid for his 20th season, including “coming with a sponsorship package if that’s what it takes”.

Williams last option, albeit an outside bet is the team’s test driver,  Valtteri Bottas, who is getting his first taste of a Williams around a circuit has previously completing straight line tests.

It is widely accepted the Marussia Virgin squad have finalised their line up for next year with Frenchman Charles Pic. Although no official announcement has been made by the team, Pic’s scheduled run with Team Lotus in the young driver test was cancelled, all but confirming another ‘worst kept secret’.

An unexpected twist to come out of the paddock at Abu Dhabi was the news that veteran Italian, Jarnu Trulli’s seat with Lotus/Caterham isn’t safe despite signing an extension back in September. It’s unclear at present, who would be in line to replace him, but his ongoing poor performances in relation to his team mate are a concern for his employers.

Yas Marina and Interlagos – A World Apart

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Formula 1 has just raced at the most advanced racing facility in the world, that I have no doubt. What has been created on Yas Island is nothing short of amazing, we all know the circuit, marina, hotel and Ferrari world from the TV coverage of the race. Also on the $36 billion development is, Warner Bros. theme park, Yas Water park, Yas Arena, links golf course and hotel and its own town to name but a few.

I’m sure seeing is believing when it comes to Yas Marina and yes, I would love to see for myself one day, but not right now. To go to any overseas race would be great for me as I have only ever been to Silverstone but right at the top of my list is Interlagos, the polar opposite to Abu Dhabi.

For all the things you can buy with money, you can’t buy atmosphere or passion in the grandstands. Even though I haven’t been to Brazil, I’ve witnessed firsthand what to expect in South America at Silverstone in 1991. With Senna at the height of his powers, the 91 British Grand prix was awash with his countrymen around the circuit, a large percentage of which were next to us at Copse Corner! They sang, drank and laughed their way through the day, creating an atmosphere there that hasn’t been replicated to this day.

I can see why new venues such as Abu Dhabi are on the calendar, the race is well supported and as I said, the facilities are a showcase, but the level of facilities shouldn’t be the be all and end all for the sport. Interlagos, along with Silverstone, Spa and Montreal are under constant pressure to build bigger and better pit/paddock complexes. I just hope I can get to Brazil before it does come the be all and end all.

A Quick Fix To Overtaking At Abu Dhabi

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Overtaking, or the lack of it has been a big criticism of Formula 1 for many a year. 2011 has been something of a revelation on that front, with a combination of KERS, DRS and the Pirelli tyres providing far more passes than previous years.

If you are expecting more of the same at this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Jenson Button thinks you’re likely to be disappointed. After practice, he told the BBC that he tried some overtakes during the race simulations in the DRS zones, concluding “it’s going to be difficult”. He pointed out that despite the long straights, the corners leading on to the are slow, first gear corners, making getting into the slipstream in the zone hard.

Turns 5/6/7

On the Yas Marina circuit, there is a slight tweak that could be made that would help with this. If they took out the chicane at T5/6 and used the additional straight down to what is T7, the angle of the corner would be opened up. This would mean that instead of it being a 1st gear corner leading on to the long back straight, it would be a 2nd/3rd gear corner, enabling the following car to stay closer accelerating out on to the straight.

The layout to this little modification exists already and with 21 corners on the circuit, I think we can lose a couple.

Lotus vs Lotus – The End

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Finally, it’s over! The row over who has the right to call their cars, lotus between Group Lotus and 1Malaysia has rumbled on foe well over a year, even reaching the heights of the High Court has come to an amicable conclusion.

The name change was agreed in principle some time ago but had to be ratified, with all the teams agreeing to it.

In a joint statement, it stated, “The terms of the settlement are confidential but the deal sees the “LOTUS” brand reunited under the sole ownership of Group Lotus. This includes the rights to the “LOTUS” and “TEAM LOTUS” names in Formula 1 motor racing.
1MRT will race in the 2012 Formula 1 season under the name “CATERHAM F1 TEAM” and will use a “CATERHAM” chassis.”
The statement also hinted at a new era of co-operation for both sides, “The terms of the settlement are confidential but the deal sees the “LOTUS” brand reunited under the sole ownership of Group Lotus. This includes the rights to the “LOTUS” and “TEAM LOTUS” names in Formula 1 motor racing.”

Although there has been no official word from the Renault team about what name the team will adopt for next year. It is widely expected to be LOTUS F1 TEAM, meaning the historic ‘Team Lotus’ name will once again disappear from the grid.

Donington Collection Visit Saturday 7th January

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Life as a Formula 1 fan is hard over the winter months. Even with today’s extended calendar, from the end of the season in November to the start of testing in March can seem like a lifetime. So what could be better than a January visit to the Donington collection?

The Donington Grand Prix Collection is, quite simply, the largest showcase of Grand Prix racing cars in the world.

Five halls, with over 130 exhibits, illustrate the history of motorsport from the turn of the 20th Century, where visitors can get close to the cars driven by such famous names as Nuvolari, Mansell, Prost, Moss, Senna, Fangio and Stewart.

The Donington Grand Prix Collection houses the largest collection of McLaren and Williams racing cars in the world (outside of their respective factories), and the only complete collection of Vanwalls. A notable exhibit is Stirling Moss’s Lotus in which he defeated the might of the Ferrari Works Team in the 1961 Monaco Grand Prix.

So, are you interested?

If you join me on Saturday 7th January at 10am, you’ll get discounted admission of only £6 plus the chance to talk F1 with a large group of like minded people.

Donington Park is situated right at the heart of England, just minutes from M1 junction 23a and MOTO Donington Park Motorway Services and Travelodge, or junction 24 southbound. What’s more, Donington Park is easily accessible internationally via East Midlands International Airport, only 2 miles away.

To confirm you place, leave a comment in the box below with your email address. If you have a twitter account, add your profile so I can add you to a list on there.

I hope to meet a lot of you there, if you haven’t been before, take it from me, it’s well worth it.

My F1 Calendar 2012

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It seems like a week doesn’t go by without some other corner of the world indicating its desire to host a Grand Prix. Over the last decade, we have seen the traditional European heartland of Formula1 lose races to new, multi million pound complex’s in some exotic locations. Some have been a great success, Sepang has been on the calendar for ten years now for example. Others however, haven’t lived up to expectation, leaving the country with a huge white elephant with little or no domestic racing to utilise the facility. The biggest high profile casualty to date is the Istanbul Park circuit in Turkey. Although no one would criticise the on-track action there, poor attendance year on year is the main factor to the race being dropped for next year.

With Bahrain, China and Korea all under threat for similar reasons, I thought I’d have a go on producing a twenty race calendar based on the following factors: Popularity of F1, affordability of tickets for locals, historic significance, sustainability and political stability.

There is 196 countries in the world so I don’t believe one country should have two races. Approximately 2 million tickets are available throughout the season (roughly the population of Latvia) out of the 7 billion people on the planet so selling out shouldn’t be a major problem! With all this in mind, I’ve chosen which 20 races I’d like to see on the calendar next year. I haven’t chosen them because they are my favourites, I‘ve tried to stay impartial in my decision making.

  1. Australia – Melbourne, Albert Park
  2. Malaysia – Spenag
  3. Abu Dhabi – Yas Marina
  4. Spain – Barcelona
  5. Monaco – Monte Carlo
  6. USA – New Jersey
  7. Canada – Montreal,  Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
  8. Mexico – Mexico City,  Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
  9. France – Paul Ricard
  10. Great Britain – Silverstone
  11. Germany – Nurburgring
  12. Belgium – Spa Francorchamps
  13. Hungary – Hungaroring
  14. Portugal – Estoril
  15. Italy – Monza
  16. Singapore – Marina Bay
  17. Japan – Suzuka
  18. India – Buddh
  19. Argentina – TBC
  20. Brazil – Interlagos

The three races in bold as the classics, the three races with the most historical significance, resulting in a cash prize for any driver who wins all three in one season, taking the ‘Grand Slam’.

Please use the comment box below to tell me your ideal race calendar, please only use circuits that are operational, or due to be operational in the near future.