Montezemolo: My 'duty' to fix F1

[vcs316]

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has warned he is prepared to take action to improve Formula 1.

Fiercely critical of the sport's direction, culminating in the new era of quiet hybrid engines, the Ferrari president invited major stakeholders to an emergency meeting.

According to German magazine Focus, Montezemolo said: "The rules are too complicated, the drivers have turned into taxi drivers. They must save fuel and tyres instead of being fast. The teams have to decide how much fuel they're using and how many tyres are wearing out. Before, it was the best man winning in the best car."

FERRARI CRISIS

He added: "Now, the viewers - the ones in the stands and the ones in front of their TVs - no longer understand. As it is now, we must do something. Otherwise F1 has no chance."

Montezemolo said it was up to F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone to act. "If he doesn't, I'll do it myself. I see it as my duty. The need to do something to recover the lost charm of F1 is urgent."

At the same time there are those who believe Ferrari has more pressing issues to addres, such as the pace of its F1 car.

It's believed engine chief Luca Marmorini has now paid the price for Ferrari's 2014 struggle by leaving Maranello and the latest rumours are that designer Nikolas Tombazis and technical chief Pat Fry are also in doubt.

The trend has Ferrari insider Leo Turrini worried: "I do not think the decline in performance can be attributed to individuals."

http://www.wheels24.co.za/News/Montezemolo-My-duty-to-fix-F1-20140714?

[Greig]

Not sure he can say the fans don't understand, because we do. Tyre management from the driver is hardly something new either.

[Kingdom Hearts]

Your duty is to give your drivers a better car.

[gjoko-mkd]

First he have to fix the Ferarri, then the F1:furious

[stefa]

Your duty is to give your drivers a better car.


First he have to fix the Ferarri, then the F1:furious

EXACTLY!!!

[Nova]

I agree w/Luca. Thing is, his point would be better well understood if our cars were doing better.
Then the performance would not be seen as the reason he wants to fix F1.

[hogo]

First he have to fix the Ferarri, then the F1:furious

I strongly disagree, I wouldn't enjoy F1 as it is now even if we would have a winning car.

[Suzie]

People high up in F1 really do treat fans like idiots sometimes. Saying we don't understand what's happening, or trying to do things to improve the 'show' as if we're a bunch of morons who wants gimmicky things like artificial sparks and double points, despite all the evidence to the contrary. Pfft!!

[13njb]

Ferrari needs some fixing and F1 needs a lot of fixing.

[Kiwi Nick]

LDM is right in one very basic fact...the rules are far, far too complicated. The FIA have basically written the rules for a spec series and asked eleven different teams to build the cars. The hubris of the FIA in assuming that the know best how to build a race car, when compared to Ferrari, Macca, Merc, Red Bull..., is what has damaged the sport.

Indy Car is basically a spec; Dallara chassis and either Chevy or Honda engines. Nobody pi55e5 or moans about this or that being illegal, the cars are all the same. Nobody wants to see that happen to F1. But, the point is, you cannot have it both ways. If the FIA want spec cars they should hire Dallara to build them. If they want teams to build their own cars they need to simplify the rules.

[Stormy]

Its good of LDM to press this issues about F1.
Of course his top priority should be building a better car and im sure he is doing that, but Ferrari as a top team in F1 looking overall should be concerned about where F1 is going, and i think LDM makes a point.

[mirafiori]

I totally agree with Luca, the rules are to complicated and he is right drivers have become taxi drivers, what he means by taxi drivers is if you own a taxi you taxi your customers around trying to use less fuel and less tyre wear to maximise profits, do we really want drivers saying over team radio do I fight for position or let the opposition through to conserve tyre wear. So many things wrong hardly any testing, only allowed so many engines and gearboxes, how many teams will now stop developing there cars and we are only half way through the season, It won't be easy for Luca to change some of these issue's especially with Ferrari lagging behind but surly something has to be done, world wide viewing figures on the whole is down so many stupid rules what other sport does not let young sportsman and women through no testing unable to learn their trade.

[aroutis]

Your duty is to give your drivers a better car.


First he have to fix the Ferarri, then the F1:furious
He had duty to both Ferrari and f1
F1 is broken and Ferrari needs rebuild. For the second he had a new man in place and empowered him but for f1 he is the one to do the pushing.

[REDARMYSOJA]

This won't be the first time Ferrari has had to save F1 from itself.

[ferrari4life]

The fact that F1 needs fixing is not something that he should be worrying himself with.

The fact that he sat by and watched as Ferrari self-destructed is what he should be fixing. He can blame all the F1 changes as much as he wants but these are just smoke and mirrors to distract from the real issue. Everyone knew that the changes were coming they were just to complacent to do anything about it. He allowed that to creep into the team.

This just proves that the dream team that we had in the late 90's is what turned us around. and unfortunately he did not do all he could to keep it together. Guess a few members are bigger than the "team" in this case.

[Rosso Corsa]

The fact that F1 needs fixing is not something that he should be worrying himself with.


The lower viewing figures risk driving down the financial value of the sport, and ultimately that will impact Ferrari. I think that's why Luca is worrying.

[ferrari4life]

The lower viewing figures risk driving down the financial value of the sport, and ultimately that will impact Ferrari. I think that's why Luca is worrying.

If Ferrari was doing well in F1, Ferrari would be taking care of itself. I do not think that Mercedes or Red Bull is currently worried about the viewing figures. Those teams are more worried about winning.

[Rosso Corsa]

If Ferrari was doing well in F1, Ferrari would be taking care of itself. I do not think that Mercedes or Red Bull is currently worried about the viewing figures. Those teams are more worried about winning.


Every team will be worried about viewing figures. Even the ones who are winning.

[wisepie]

Quite agree with LdM on the issue of F1 and the over-complicated rules, but I wonder if he would be saying it quite so loudly if Ferrari were performing better. Something went drastically wrong with the direction the team went in with the new rules, but blaming any one individual is a bit of a cop-out IMO. LdM himself may well have dropped the ball!

[Silent Bob]

Doesn't really matter what state ferrari is in right now, they need to make sure F1 is healthy and drawing new spectators. Saying its better to just look after our car and forget the bigger picture could lead s to having a good car in a crap series, or worse with no competition because the money and luster has left. Have to look after the fans or there might not be much worth watching. For myself, I find that most races these days are boring and I don't like the direction f1 is heading. Teams need to refuel and use whichever tire they want. Manufactured racing is hollow.

[Greig]

I have enjoyed the racing very much this year, the cars are a handfull to drive and the drivers are really having to work.

Luca wanted this new era in F1 which makes it even funnier.

[aroutis]

Doesn't really matter what state ferrari is in right now, they need to make sure F1 is healthy and drawing new spectators. Saying its better to just look after our car and forget the bigger picture could lead s to having a good car in a crap series, or worse with no competition because the money and luster has left. Have to look after the fans or there might not be much worth watching. For myself, I find that most races these days are boring and I don't like the direction f1 is heading. Teams need to refuel and use whichever tire they want. Manufactured racing is hollow.
Could not have said it better. It is highly short sighted to think that just looking after of your team in a league that is dieing will do you any good.

[NickEice]

I really can't understand the constant moaning this year from fans. The racing has been pretty damn good. For most of the races they have been able to push. Tires last and don't fall off a cliff, fuel saving hasn't been a huge issue. Bunch of toruqe has made the cars harder to drive, maybe not as physically straining, but more difficult to get a perfect lap.

Ferrari hasn't done an awful job this year. We are basically in the same place Red Bull is. Our engine is a bit better. Their aero is a bit better. Status quo from the past few seasons. Mercedes really stole a march on everyone. Kudos to them. Don't call it fire and brimstone at Maranello when if it wasn't for the Power Unit advantage we'd be in the midst of a great championship battle.

The more us fans moan and for some reason turn off the TV and talk about the processional races from 10 years ago as the glory days, the more the FIA is going to try and change something. This leads to them coming up with these crazy ideas.

This sport always changes. Jochen Rindt thought wings on cars were a crazy idea, sadly he paid with his life. As long as fast cars are battling on track with some of the best drivers in the world, I am happy.

[Kiwi Nick]

I really can't understand the constant moaning this year from fans.

I think it's pretty simple. The fans feel that their favorite teams and/or drivers are being restrained/constrained by silly rules. That leaves a bad taste in their mouths and results in a lot of moaning.

[Greig]

I think it's pretty simple. The fans feel that their favorite teams and/or drivers are being restrained/constrained by silly rules. That leaves a bad taste in their mouths and results in a lot of moaning.

The tight rules are probably helping us, due to us having a lack of talent at Maranello.

It's not like we won constantly when the rules were less strict either. Just another Luca Di smokescreen to either get a better deal from Bernie or to hide from his own failings to fix Ferrari.

[NickEice]

I think it's pretty simple. The fans feel that their favorite teams and/or drivers are being restrained/constrained by silly rules. That leaves a bad taste in their mouths and results in a lot of moaning.

I think 95% of what is restraining Alonso, Kimi and Ferrari is Ferrari, not the rules. They are the same for everyone. The only rule I think needed chaning this year was the engine freeze. The rules are the same for everyone. Not fair to blame the FIA.

[REDARMYSOJA]

I doubt Luca woke up one morning and decided this on his own. I would think he already knows he has the support of other teams, he can't force any change without them.

[The Architect]

It wouldn't matter if Ferrari were winning, this is not F1. Teams can't develop and test cars, tyres artificially degrade to generate fake racing, overtaking aids grant a following car an unfair advantage, double points make no sense. And as for the races... Is it the driver? Fuel consumption too high? Batteries not recharging? Software needs a reboot at the next pit stop? Tyres going off? Not run the useless compound tyre yet? DRS stuck open/closed? I can't think of too many years where it's been about everything but the driver. We have these absurd 90 minute endurance races almost every weekend that are impossible to follow, but for the fact the fastest car will surely win and finishing order will be dictated by engine.

I can't think of a year I've been more indifferent about Ferrari not performing.

[sweeper1101]

The only people that understands the rule's now are the one's that have been following F1 for a couple of years.
I doubt if any person not understanding the rules of the sport will love seeing a driver letting another let pass by after being pushed out of the track and gaining a position. Much worse why another had to pass by the pit a few laps to go to have his tire changed (cause he hasn't used both compounds).

One has to know the sport to love it...

[stefa]

It wouldn't matter if Ferrari were winning, this is not F1. Teams can't develop and test cars, tyres artificially degrade to generate fake racing, overtaking aids grant a following car an unfair advantage, double points make no sense. And as for the races... Is it the driver? Fuel consumption too high? Batteries not recharging? Software needs a reboot at the next pit stop? Tyres going off? Not run the useless compound tyre yet? DRS stuck open/closed? I can't think of too many years where it's been about everything but the driver. We have these absurd 90 minute endurance races almost every weekend that are impossible to follow, but for the fact the fastest car will surely win and finishing order will be dictated by engine.

I can't think of a year I've been more indifferent about Ferrari not performing.

You have read my thoughts! Exactly. I agree 100%

[anacleto]

I believe F1 this year is great. Besides watching the first place finish which is for the most part a fight between teamates at merc we have Alonso fighting his way up every race regardless of his bomb of a ride. And for the most part every team has done away with team orders so it's anyone"s race within each team. A perfect example is Red Bull !! Who here can deny seeing Vettel having to race against his teamate isn't in itself worth the watch. Besides, the rules are the same for everyone. That's why we needed Briatori @ Ferrari. " Rules are made to be broken ! "

[Hornet]

Well, maybe Luca is jumping the gun here in calming that the fans do not understand the sport.

Perhaps what is true is that the number of viewers is getting lesser, or something else they know that is indicating that there's a drop in interest in F1. So what they have to do is to work together and identify the real reasons why some fans are switching the channel away from F1.

I don't think they have really understood the cause yet, despite their recent poorly thought out attempt to improve things by introducing double points for the last race, or sparking skid blocks. They cannot fix anything if they do not understand the cause.

[aroutis]

When We have things like the introduction of stop and start after a safety car, to me this indicates there is problem in paradise. F1 should be about racing and evolution and I believe it is anything but that right now.

[Greig]

When We have things like the introduction of stop and start after a safety car, to me this indicates there is problem in paradise. F1 should be about racing and evolution and I believe it is anything but that right now.

If it stops us watching 10 laps behind the SC then what's the problem? Maybe they should not have red flagged the British GP and done an hour behind the SC counting down the laps that would be racing yeah.....

The racing is much better this year than previous years, I guess in 2002, 2004 you were turning off since there was no racing? Sadly a lot of complaints on here just come across as sour grapes because we are not winning.

[Rishu]

I suspect FiA know a thing or two about Mercedes dominance. If banning FRIC can close the field, racing would be just awesome to watch

[aroutis]

If it stops us watching 10 laps behind the SC then what's the problem? Maybe they should not have red flagged the British GP and done an hour behind the SC counting down the laps that would be racing yeah.....

The racing is much better this year than previous years, I guess in 2002, 2004 you were turning off since there was no racing? Sadly a lot of complaints on here just come across as sour grapes because we are not winning.
Speak for yourself. I don't care il whether we win or not when it comes to this topic and back to 2002 for instance the rules promoted racing and not endurance racing.

[Greig]

Speak for yourself. I don't care il whether we win or not when it comes to this topic and back to 2002 for instance the rules promoted racing and not endurance racing.

And the tyre war played no part in those days? LOL

So you think 10 laps behind SC is racing?

[aroutis]

And the tyre war played no part in those days? LOL

So you think 10 laps behind SC is racing?Tyre wars to me was better than this farce of tyre supplying, and what happened just last year. Two or more suppliers promote competition and last time I checked competition is what F1 is all about. I am NOT about evening the field in F1 , I am not for one series that everyone uses the same stuff and I don't want stock series.

So ya, I want more than one suppliers in tyres if you ask me. Just like I prefer more than one engine suppliers.

As for the SC, yes I prefer the SC to go in circles as now, unless we got a red flag when cars stop and restart, rather than we got a restart per new rules anyways (!).

[Mister eX]

I suspect FiA know a thing or two about Mercedes dominance. If banning FRIC can close the field, racing would be just awesome to watch

If the ban of FRIC goes through, and it really hurts Merc the most, then we'll have a Merc dominance on the level of RBR's dominance in the last few years (when they were dominant, that is). So, my 2 cents - don't expect miracles...
They would have to lose a 2secs/lap pace compared to the rest of the field for them to have to really fight for wins...

[mirafiori]

OK yesterday I said Luca was totally correct and today I will change my mind,;-) what does he know, anyone could do his job. Does it matter since 2005 world wide viewing figures are falling and last year alone 50 million people stop watching formula one, Luca said the fans are unclear of the rules, come on Luca the rules are clear, OK last year when Mercedes did the secret Tyre test at Barcelona that was just unfortunate situation and Mercedes on that day just misread the rules, I know it led to a court case but this situation is rare, but then again it happened this year another court case this time Red Bull regarding fuel flow meter, I don't really know what the fuss was all about the rules are very clear and we the public know all about it, Christian Horner tried to defend Red Bull blaming faulty equipment and UNCLEAR RULES but really the rules are so clear. Now they say the Fric system on cars are illegal, what are they taking about we all know the system is legal. So for me Luca should not say the public is unclear not knowing the rules the rules are very clear, so Luca just do your job, formula one is safe in Bernie's hands all he cares about is providing a fantastic spectacle and most of all he wants is value for money for the paying customer.

[Greig]

Yeah cause rule breaking has only just happened in the last 2 seasons, never before....what a silly post.

[Greig]

As for the SC, yes I prefer the SC to go in circles as now, unless we got a red flag when cars stop and restart, rather than we got a restart per new rules anyways (!).

LOL so you want racing, yet want to see the SC lap after lap, I am sure you can see the hole you have fallen into.

[mirafiori]

Yeah cause rule breaking has only just happened in the last 2 seasons, never before....what a silly post.

Thanks for your constructive comments.:lou

[Greig]

Thanks for your constructive comments.:lou

And your post was really constructive. Not at all stupid and rather childish.

[aroutis]

LOL so you want racing, yet want to see the SC lap after lap, I am sure you can see the hole you have fallen into.
I don't see how the current SC system is hurting racing, or how the new rules will make racing any better.

However you might want to tell me tho how having a sole tyre provider will help with RACING and EVOLUTION.

Because all we hear lately is about cutting cost and all that crap and as for racing noone really cares.

In all honesty I could go on forever but I am not gonna do this. Got a better idea , since the SC rule is in place, I say hurray, all F1 issues are solved , let's crank up the champagne bottle and be done with that already, shall we ?.)

[Greig]

You best ask Luca why he supported so much cost cutting.

F1 is never a perfect sport and there will never ever be a period of rules that makes everyone happy. When McLaren and Williams fans moaned in 2000-04 they were just bad losers.

[REDARMYSOJA]

Luca needs to start offering up some specifics instead of vague complaints, like what exactly needs to be fixed and how to fix it, then maybe people will listen.

[Silent Bob]

If it stops us watching 10 laps behind the SC then what's the problem? Maybe they should not have red flagged the British GP and done an hour behind the SC counting down the laps that would be racing yeah.....

The racing is much better this year than previous years, I guess in 2002, 2004 you were turning off since there was no racing? Sadly a lot of complaints on here just come across as sour grapes because we are not winning.

Is it really racing this year? When driver's are asked to conserve fuel and tires? Is it exciting knowing that our cars can't catch the Mercedes and that we can't improve our situation because our engine is locked, and we can't test to improve our aero? Regardless of 2002 and 2004 where we dominated, but the other teams had a chance to test and develop. In 1998, Ferrari were almost 2 seconds behind the Mclarens and through the season we caught up because we were able to develop and test. What are the chances of that now. Other than hoping some cars break down, we're hamstrung. Bring back refueling (nascar style to save money) and allow teams to choose the tire they want for the race, either hard or soft. At least it introduces some strategy back into the racing. Back in the 90's, half the excitement was waiting to see what tires the team chose and how much fuel they were running. This year it's all about who stops first and has better tires. Yes I know, the other teams did a better job, but not all teams are going to come out with a leading car, only one team can have the best car at the beginning of the year, the others will have to chase and try to catch up... they should be allowd the means to do that. It's situations like this year (and 2002, 2004) with a dominate team that stupid decisions get made to artificially bunch up the field.

[Greig]

Tyre saving and fuel saving has been going on for years. Ferrari wanted these engines, these aero rules and all the cost saving so why Luca is going to fix it now is beyond me.

As I said already I imagine it's nearly time for Ferrari to sign a new deal with Bernie so up pops Luca with his idle threats.

[Aberracus]

Im totally with Greig on this one, this year is a challenge and Ferrrari is just trying, LDM should not be talking about fixing anything other our beloved red cars.

Anyway im enjoying the races too and is much better than 2013


If Bernie goes probably our Ferrari prize bono goes with him. out there everyone thinks we have an unfair advantage and we are not good enough to use it to the fullest. LDM with this commentaries is only putting logs into the fire.

Forza Ferrari

[Hornet]

OK yesterday I said Luca was totally correct and today I will change my mind,;-) what does he know, anyone could do his job. Does it matter since 2005 world wide viewing figures are falling and last year alone 50 million people stop watching formula one, Luca said the fans are unclear of the rules, come on Luca the rules are clear, OK last year when Mercedes did the secret Tyre test at Barcelona that was just unfortunate situation and Mercedes on that day just misread the rules, I know it led to a court case but this situation is rare, but then again it happened this year another court case this time Red Bull regarding fuel flow meter, I don't really know what the fuss was all about the rules are very clear and we the public know all about it, Christian Horner tried to defend Red Bull blaming faulty equipment and UNCLEAR RULES but really the rules are so clear. Now they say the Fric system on cars are illegal, what are they taking about we all know the system is legal. So for me Luca should not say the public is unclear not knowing the rules the rules are very clear, so Luca just do your job, formula one is safe in Bernie's hands all he cares about is providing a fantastic spectacle and most of all he wants is value for money for the paying customer.

I highly doubt most fans even care about secret testing, blown diffuser, FRIC or whatever off track bickering the teams come up with. No one except the hardcore fans cares about the technical rules. All people cares about is what they see on track on Sunday. All the want to see is the kind of fight Alonso and Vettel had, and who won.

Case in point, how many people even remember the barge board incident in Sepang 1999? It happened back then, disqualification, protest, appeal, but no one remembers them today. All people remembers from that race was Schumi's fantastic return to F1, the fight for the championship.

[Rob]

I highly doubt most fans even care about secret testing, blown diffuser, FRIC or whatever off track bickering the teams come up with. No one except the hardcore fans cares about the technical rules. All people cares about is what they see on track on Sunday. All the want to see is the kind of fight Alonso and Vettel had, and who won.

Case in point, how many people even remember the barge board incident in Sepang 1999? It happened back then, disqualification, protest, appeal, but no one remembers them today. All people remembers from that race was Schumi's fantastic return to F1, the fight for the championship.

Alot of hard core F1 fans will/does remember the incidents like the barge board in Sepang. Its part of being a fan. I want racing, but i also want testing. I love the technology.

[aroutis]

You best ask Luca why he supported so much cost cutting.

F1 is never a perfect sport and there will never ever be a period of rules that makes everyone happy. When McLaren and Williams fans moaned in 2000-04 they were just bad losers.
Nope I am not gonna ask him that because mistake as it may be, dwelling on mistakes is a sign of stupidity.
I would prefer to see him do something bout fixing this mess.

[Greig]

Nope I am not gonna ask him that because mistake as it may be, dwelling on mistakes is a sign of stupidity.
I would prefer to see him do something bout fixing this mess.

Well we will wait and see what he does to fix it, probably 5% more money from Bernie should do it....

I assume you don't watch F1 anymore?

[aroutis]

Well we will wait and see what he does to fix it, probably 5% more money from Bernie should do it....

I assume you don't watch F1 anymore?
I try to motivate myself to watch but my interest has not been the same. And same goes for my friends as well.

It is not just me that think that things need to change...

[Greig]

I try to motivate myself to watch but my interest has not been the same. And same goes for my friends as well.

It is not just me that think that things need to change...

Well I guess you are in the minority, as said there will never be a F1 that pleases everyone.

[mirafiori]

I try to motivate myself to watch but my interest has not been the same. And same goes for my friends as well.

It is not just me that think that things need to change...

Well you are not alone since 2005 viewing figures world wide have fallen and last year alone (2013) 50 million viewers have turned its back on Formula One, which is incredible when you consider we still had V8 engines in 2013, for this season 2014 we will wait to see what the viewing figures will be but surly if they carry on declining Luca won't have to say anything the system of F1 will have to change automatically. Someone I know who lives here in England and works in Formula one who is part of the team who do the official time keeping told me a lot of the teams are concerned in the future of the sport and things will have to change going forward.

[Greig]

Just as viewing figures dropped when MS was winning 5 titles in a row? They tried to fix F1 back then too.....


"The less-than-competitive nature of the final few rounds, culminating in the championship being decided ahead of the races in the USA and Brazil, events which often bring substantial audiences, had a predictable impact on reach."

Vettel and Red Bull clinched their fourth consecutive titles with three grands prix to spare as the 26-year-old German and the Milton Keynes-based team won the final nine races of the campaign.

Ecclestone also noted that "the overall effect (of the audience drop) was exaggerated further still when you consider the calendar was one race shorter in 2013". Overall, though, Ecclestone claims F1 "sits at the very top of annual global sports audiences" as it reaches 185 territories via its 111 broadcast partners who provide between them 27,000 hours of coverage.

But there were substantial drops in countries such as China and Brazil, losing almost 30 million and just over nine million viewers respectively. The former was predominantly due to a switch from state broadcaster CCTV to a collective of 13 regional partners in order to ensure every race and qualifying session was shown live.

Even in Vettel's homeland there was a drop of around 10 per cent in season-long reach, with the overall figure for 2013 coming in at 31.3 million. In the United Kingdom, audience figures rose by two per cent between the two broadcasters - Sky Sports F1 and the BBC - to a total of just over 29 million.

[aroutis]

Well I guess you are in the minority, as said there will never be a F1 that pleases everyone.
What you said makes absolutely no sense.

[aroutis]

Just as viewing figures dropped when MS was winning 5 titles in a row? They tried to fix F1 back then too.....
Can you find the numbers to compare?

[Brembo]

I went to all the Indy races . The track holds 200,000 people +. The first year it was full, next almost full, then after that I'd say less than half. Most fans were leaving right after the checkerd flag. Thatr's when MS was winning 5 in a row. I did get to see Rubens win one though!

[Greig]

What you said makes absolutely no sense.

Not sure what part you can't understand, let me know and I will spell it out to you.

[Greig]

Can you find the numbers to compare?

Use google if you need too, but that is why the FIA kept changing the rules as everyone here at the time is fully aware.

[Senna4Ever]

Didn't knew that LdM is now main responsible person for F1 related issues ...
Ferrari was involved in all these rule changes which got us where we are now. Some of them had been hardly admired to break dominating RedBulls.

IMHO main priority of Mr. LdM is to provide the basis that Ferrari comes back on top: engine and aero wise. Build modern and reliable infrastructure, provide the money for the right people, etc.
and then care about other people business ...

LdM wouldn't care if any of our drivers would lead WDC and Ferrari WCC ...

[aroutis]

Use google if you need too, but that is why the FIA kept changing the rules as everyone here at the time is fully aware.
You need to be able to back up a claim when you make one. It is not my job to do that for you. And to spell it out for you, true there was a decline during our domination. But was it like this? Cause if it was not , your bringing it to the table is invalid. So bring the numbers along with your arguments.

[aroutis]

Not sure what part you can't understand, let me know and I will spell it out to you.
The part I don't understand is why should I care bout my being in the majority or minority of things. That being of course should you be right which is debatable. So I don't see the reason behind such a comment.

[Hornet]

Alot of hard core F1 fans will/does remember the incidents like the barge board in Sepang. Its part of being a fan. I want racing, but i also want testing. I love the technology.

I do agree most hardcore followers probably do, but I don't think the rest of the viewers pays attention to all these off track bickering, they are not interested in them. Therefore we cannot cannot quote all these off track issues and say look this is confusing it's bad, and something needs to be done. There is nothing can be done, and they are not meant for the amusement of the fans.

Besides, problems arising from technical interpretation and stuff like that has always been around, it's part of the sport and the sport has always been fine that way, and so I don't see why anyone should go complaining that it's bad for the sport now. I'll admit they are not always perfect, for example the recent FRIC ruling is confusing. But it's nothing new and it doesn't affect viewership.

[gvera]

If it stops us watching 10 laps behind the SC then what's the problem? Maybe they should not have red flagged the British GP and done an hour behind the SC counting down the laps that would be racing yeah.....
.

The problem is that the SC stays. We WILL watch those 10 laps, the backmarkers unlap et all and afterwards, when the safety car comes in, the standing start will take place.

From Autosport:

The procedure of the safety car will remain the same as it is now until after backmarkers have been allowed to unlap themselves and move to the rear of the field.

Then, when F1's race director deems it is safe enough to call in the safety car, a 'safety car in this lap' message will be displayed on the official notice system.

The safety car will pull into the pits and the cars will carry on past the pit lane entry to the grid - with the pit exit lights turning red.

Team personnel who normally sit on the pit wall will have to move to the safety of the garages, with the exception of two people from each outfit.

The drivers will then proceed to the starting grid to stop in their respective positions, and the five-light starting system procedure that is used at the beginning of races now will be run through.

[NickEice]

2012 was a good year for viewers, we had a thrilling championship battle. That's what turns TVs on more than anything.

And i'll say it again, if you don't watch F1 anymore then you are not a true fan. They are still racing, they are still the best, and it is still Ferrari.


The below link is from 2002 after a dominating year from The Scuderia:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/1842217.stm

Formula One's television audience has dropped by three billion viewers since 1999, according to the latest figures.
F1 commercial boss Bernie Ecclestone's Formula One Management company (FOM) has released figures showing a total audience of 54bn for the 2001 season.

The figure is a cumulative total that takes into account the number of people who switch on to F1 on any television programme through the course of a year.

The number is three billion down on 1999, when Ecclestone held a majority stake in the sport's commercial rights.

[mirafiori]

I try to motivate myself to watch but my interest has not been the same. And same goes for my friends as well.

It is not just me that think that things need to change...

Well I can understand how you feel after all you are not alone as many million have turned away from watching formula one, for me personally i'am addicted to the sport and will always watch every race even though some of the rules are pathetic, Luca is totally correct and changes in the rules need to be looked at the whole engine situation is crazy, we are not allowed to work on the engine all engine development is frozen unless you have issue's with reliability. This is supposed to be the pinnacle of technology and these cost cutting measures are ridiculous.

[Greig]

You need to be able to back up a claim when you make one. It is not my job to do that for you. And to spell it out for you, true there was a decline during our domination. But was it like this? Cause if it was not , your bringing it to the table is invalid. So bring the numbers along with your arguments.

I know it's true if you wish to go and prove me wrong then you are free to do so. Funny you say I have to back it up yet go on to say there was a decline. You are arguing for the sake of it again.

[Greig]

Well I can understand how you feel after all you are not alone as many million have turned away from watching formula one, for me personally i'am addicted to the sport and will always watch every race even though some of the rules are pathetic, Luca is totally correct and changes in the rules need to be looked at the whole engine situation is crazy, we are not allowed to work on the engine all engine development is frozen unless you have issue's with reliability. This is supposed to be the pinnacle of technology and these cost cutting measures are ridiculous.

If you ignore most off them were in China due to a change in the way they show F1, then again you don't know this years figures.....

[aroutis]

I know it's true if you wish to go and prove me wrong then you are free to do so. Funny you say I have to back it up yet go on to say there was a decline. You are arguing for the sake of it again.
I am not. But numbers do tend to back up claims. The fact there was a decline back then is not enough to back up your claim whereas the percentage of decline should it be close to this year's decline would make it relevant.
Basic stuff really. In all honesty do what you want😊

[Greig]

I am not. But numbers do tend to back up claims. The fact there was a decline back then is not enough to back up your claim whereas the percentage of decline should it be close to this year's decline would make it relevant.
Basic stuff really. In all honesty do what you want

My claim was viewing figures dropped when MS was dominating, you agree this happened. So I am not sure how that is not enough to back up my claim when you agree the figures dropped? I never mentioned anything to do with percentage either.

So I am not sure what you are actually arguing about when you agreed with my claim.

[mirafiori]

If you ignore most off them were in China due to a change in the way they show F1, then again you don't know this years figures.....

This is partly true China's viewing figures have dropped away a lot but so has Brazil, Poland, USA, France, Russia, and many other countries but in fairness the reason's not helping could be pay per view TV, drivers of certain nationalities no longer driving for example Vitaly Petrov decline in Russia but overall viewing figures have fallen 10 per cent world wide in 2013, saying that Silverstone was excellent nearly 300 thousand people attended Friday to Sunday. As for this year we will have to wait and see, I predict viewing figures will continue to decline, as I understand it more and more people only watch the start of the race and end up finding out the result on the news or reading the newspaper simply because they find the race boring, engine noise is also a massive issue the simple truth people hate these new engines and another reason why viewing figures will continue to decline is the fact Ferrari is not doing well.

[Greig]

Well the racing is much better this year so no idea what they are bored off :-) I don't know how you know that most people only watch the start then turn off though?

F1 still has a massive global audience, it will always fluctuate up and down in different countries.

[Kiwi Nick]

It seems pretty obvious to me that the cause for the decline in F1 viewership is more likely related to the ever growing number of viewing choices. Add to that the fact that many other racing series that are televised, put on races nearly every weekend, thereby developing viewer habits. On most weekends during the racing season, I can watch NASCAR and Indy Car, plus a Moto GP, Motocross, Aussie V8s and the occasional rally. F1 races are run, on average, every other weekend, but sometimes races are one week apart, other times they are 3 or 4 weeks apart. Diehard fans know exactly when the races are and they will always watch. But, it is the casual or marginal fan that accounts for the incremental rise and fall of viewership. They are the viewers that all of the myriad different racing broadcasts are fighting for. F1 is on a fools errand if it believes that sparking skid plates and louder exhausts will help stop the slide.

[Stormy]

Maybe views are down, but F1 will never go out. Because F1 is the pinnacle of tecnical innovations in motosport and big auto companies like to participate because they can implement this tecnologies in their cars.
Thats why the rules are changing, to keep in touch with what the average man wants to buy, an economic car.
But Ferrari doesnt make economic cars for the average man, they make cars for the rich, so thats why only Ferrari wants to change the rules.

[aroutis]

My claim was viewing figures dropped when MS was dominating, you agree this happened. So I am not sure how that is not enough to back up my claim when you agree the figures dropped? I never mentioned anything to do with percentage either.

So I am not sure what you are actually arguing about when you agreed with my claim.
I already explained.

[mirafiori]

Well the racing is much better this year so no idea what they are bored off :-) I don't know how you know that most people only watch the start then turn off though?

F1 still has a massive global audience, it will always fluctuate up and down in different countries.

Apparently if you watch one minute of a race or 2 hours you are still considered the same as you have all watched the race in full, when the red lights goes out big brother knows we are mainly watching the race channel but as the race goes on the viewing public May change station or turn the TV off completely, so from independent studies they have a fair idea of our habits, for example on Sunday for the British Grand Prix I watched Sky Sports and recorded BBC so in theory in my own little world I was helping the viewing figures and how many people go out for the day and record the race and watch it later, but don't get me wrong on the whole I love formula one I never miss a race on Tv and will probably go to Monza this year, even though we may not even end up on the podium, but for me the whole engine situation is so stupid, because of the engine freeze we can not touch the engine so Mercedes will dominate for the rest of the season and the viewing public are denied the opportunity to see Ferrari or Renault fight back, that is why I back Luca 100 per cent the rules are completely wrong.

[Hornet]

Maybe views are down, but F1 will never go out. Because F1 is the pinnacle of tecnical innovations in motosport and big auto companies like to participate because they can implement this tecnologies in their cars.
Thats why the rules are changing, to keep in touch with what the average man wants to buy, an economic car.
But Ferrari doesnt make economic cars for the average man, they make cars for the rich, so thats why only Ferrari wants to change the rules.

That may be the motivation for the engineers and designers, but not necessarily the same for the cheque writers (people who fund the F1 program). For example, if the viewership tanks, sponsors will stop sponsoring and most team will not be financially capable of doing F1 on their own.

Right now, there is nothing economic about the technology F1 is pushing though. You don't find hybrid power system or carbon fiber in budget cars. Any new technology that filters down to commercial use will always go to the luxury segment first. This is because these technology were not design with cost in mind when they were first develop in F1. It has to go to the luxury segment first before further development can make them cost viable for more range of cars.

[Greig]

I already explained.

No you really never but we both agree figures dropped so again you are arguing about agreeing with what I said.

[aroutis]

No you really never but we both agree figures dropped so again you are arguing about agreeing with what I said.
Now who argues just because he needs to is well known and it is not me. Hold to your opinion.

[Stormy]

That may be the motivation for the engineers and designers, but not necessarily the same for the cheque writers (people who fund the F1 program). For example, if the viewership tanks, sponsors will stop sponsoring and most team will not be financially capable of doing F1 on their own.

Right now, there is nothing economic about the technology F1 is pushing though. You don't find hybrid power system or carbon fiber in budget cars. Any new technology that filters down to commercial use will always go to the luxury segment first. This is because these technology were not design with cost in mind when they were first develop in F1. It has to go to the luxury segment first before further development can make them cost viable for more range of cars.
Yeah sure i get what you are saying but maybe in the near future there will be hybrid power system in budget cars?

[Hornet]

Yeah sure i get what you are saying but maybe in the near future there will be hybrid power system in budget cars?

I think there will be, but that will be up to the industry to develop a cost effective one. In F1, they will continue to develop for the best design without worrying about cost, and these stuff can benefit Ferrari's business as Ferrari produce performance car where cost is not a main concern. Therefore although some people say the hybrid technology is not what Luca wanted, I don't think so. I think Ferrari wants to get involve in hybrid tech as well.

[mirafiori]

I think there will be, but that will be up to the industry to develop a cost effective one. In F1, they will continue to develop for the best design without worrying about cost, and these stuff can benefit Ferrari's business as Ferrari produce performance car where cost is not a main concern. Therefore although some people say the hybrid technology is not what Luca wanted, I don't think so. I think Ferrari wants to get involve in hybrid tech as well.

I believe Ferrari never wanted this engine solution in their race car or road cars, Ferrari cars is all about power not energy saving, Ferrari customers are not interested in fuel consumption.

[Hornet]

I believe Ferrari never wanted this engine solution in their race car or road cars, Ferrari cars is all about power not energy saving, Ferrari customers are not interested in fuel consumption.

Well it's not about fuel consumption, but rather it's simply a natural progression for car's technology as the focus will eventually shift towards hybrid technology for the obvious reason that fossil fuel is non renewable. Of course that's still a distance away, but the first steps are already being taken today, and Ferrari cannot afford to lose ground to other manufacturer. These technology takes many years to be develop and perfect. Even companies like Harley Davidson who make obnoxiously loud bikes have ventured into electrical technology.

LaFerrari is Ferrari's first commitment to hybrid technology, and also a good example of importing technology from F1 to it's road car. I'm sure in the future, we will see something similar in Ferrari's road car. Of course Ferrari can make bigger capacity engines, but we'll see these hybrid concept in them.

Anyway Luca himself did say the V6 is good for the sport.

"I [will] do Formula 1 as long as Formula 1 represents for us the most important research centre," he was quoted as saying by Reuters. "The decision [to go for the] V6 is important because turbo-six is good for the future, not only for Ferrari but also for Mercedes and others."
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/92838

[Stormy]

Yeah, and probably thats why Honda is coming back to F1, because they want to develope the hybrid power system also.
Maybe this will result in BMW coming back?

[REDARMYSOJA]

I'm not sure what Luca's on about when he says the rules are too complicated. This isn't confusing at all.



Reliability penalties loom

Approaching the half way point of this F1 season, here is the state of play on which drivers have used how many components of their power trains.

Each power unit has six different components: the internal combustion engine (ICE), the Motor Generator Unit-Kinetic (MGU-K), the Motor Generator Unit-Heat (MGU-H), the energy store (ES), turbocharger (TC) and control electronics (CE).

Each driver is allocated five of each per season.
Driver Car Engine ICE TC MGU-K MGU-H ES CE
Sebastian Vettel Red Bull Renault 4 4 3 4 2 4
Daniel Ricciardo Red Bull Renault 3 3 3 3 2 2
Lewis Hamilton Mercedes Mercedes 3 3 3 3 3 3
Nico Rosberg Mercedes Mercedes 3 3 3 3 3 3
Fernando Alonso Ferrari Ferrari 3 3 3 3 3 4
Kimi Raikkonen Ferrari Ferrari 3 3 3 4 3 3
Romain Grosjean Lotus Renault 3 4 3 3 2 3
Pastor Maldonado Lotus Renault 4 4 4 4 2 3
Jenson Button McLaren Mercedes 3 3 3 3 2 2
Kevin Magnussen McLaren Mercedes 3 3 3 3 2 2
Nico Hulkenberg Force India Mercedes 3 3 3 3 2 2
Sergio Perez Force India Mercedes 3 3 3 3 2 2
Adrian Sutil Sauber Ferrari 3 3 3 3 3 3
Esteban Gutierrez Sauber Ferrari 3 3 3 3 3 3
Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso Renault 4 4 4 3 3 4
Daniil Kvyat Toro Rosso Renault 5 4 5 3 2 2
Felipe Massa Williams Mercedes 3 3 3 3 2 3
Valtteri Bottas Williams Mercedes 3 3 3 3 2 2
Jules Bianchi Marussia Ferrari 4 4 3 4 2 3
Max Chilton Marussia Ferrari 4 4 4 4 3 4
Kamui Kobayashi Caterham Renault 3 3 3 3 3 4
Marcus Ericsson Caterham Renault 3 3 3 3 2 4

We began the year with wild predictions that half the field would not finish races, which of course didn’t happen. However, we are about to see grid penalties for drivers as they exceed their allowed quota’s.

Drovers will receive a ten-place grid penalty the first time they use a sixth power unit component. For the other components when they reach the tally of six, a further five-place grid penalty will be awarded..This pattern repeats for a seventh power unit component and so on.

If the drivers qualify too low in the order to receive their full grid slot drop, the balance will carry over for one more race.

http://thejudge13.com/

[aroutis]

I'm not sure what Luca's on about when he says the rules are too complicated. This isn't confusing at all.
Luca is obviously out of his mind. All is well with F1. People need to suck it up and love it lol.

[Hornet]

Luca may be complaining about it, but more importantly, are the majority of the fans actually complaining about it?
To be honest, I've yet to hear anyone saying gee I don't understand this rule, better not watch the race today.

F1 is a technical sport and such technicality will always been part of the sport, you can't really do away with them. And I do believe for the casual fans, who makes up the majority of the viewers, they don't care about what goes on behind the scene.

[Greig]

Now who argues just because he needs to is well known and it is not me. Hold to your opinion.

That makes no sense, you are arguing about agreeing with me such is your desperation.

[aroutis]

That makes no sense, you are arguing about agreeing with me such is your desperation.
If you say so [emoji1]

[Greig]

Luca may be complaining about it, but more importantly, are the majority of the fans actually complaining about it?
To be honest, I've yet to hear anyone saying gee I don't understand this rule, better not watch the race today.

F1 is a technical sport and such technicality will always been part of the sport, you can't really do away with them. And I do believe for the casual fans, who makes up the majority of the viewers, they don't care about what goes on behind the scene.

+1

[abbottcostello]

In reality it is doubtful any fan would hear another complaining about the sport, if someone is not understanding it enough that it befuddles them they will quietly just stop watching or research to get a better understanding. Even so that is probably just a small part of any viewership decline, there are many reasons people will stop & a LOT have nothing to do with understanding or enjoyment. For myself, I've been a longtime fan & follower of F1, but over the years my occupation workload & pressures of my personal life have had more impact on whether or not I watched F1. Many of us love the technical side of things, I read as much as I can about it (mainly on the internet).

Aside from all of that, as in any business you need to be alert to trends that WILL affect your business outlook & in this case, the well being of the sport into the future. I think it is wise for Luca to be thinking of the big picture. Announcing this to the fans seems to be a way of reassuring them & he apparently thinks this is necessary.

In my opinion, do your duty Luca, but don't distract or worry me with the details, just make sure it stays entertaining & Ferrari are competitive!

[REDARMYSOJA]

Luca may be complaining about it, but more importantly, are the majority of the fans actually complaining about it?
To be honest, I've yet to hear anyone saying gee I don't understand this rule, better not watch the race today.

F1 is a technical sport and such technicality will always been part of the sport, you can't really do away with them. And I do believe for the casual fans, who makes up the majority of the viewers, they don't care about what goes on behind the scene.

After the British GP was everyone marveling at the technology? No, the talk was about the fight between Vettel and Alonso. That's what people want to see. You can sometimes get too cute for your own good. The technology matters not one wit towards producing exciting races.

That doesn't mean they have to drop the technological edge, actually, they need to open up the regulations and allow different technology. If someone wants to run the new "power units", let them, but don't force everyone. Make them prove the new power units are they way to go. When the turbo was first re-introduced by Renault back in the 80's (it wasn't being used because it was illegal by the way, it was completely legal, it was just no one used them) Renault took their beating for several seasons until they finally got it right, then everyone else fell in line when they saw it was the way to go (And I'll remind everyone Ferrari was the first team to win a championship with a turbo powered car, not Renault) The turbo's only went away because they became so powerful they had to be reigned in and once that happened they were no better than the N/A engines.

But the point is, technology was allowed to take it's normal course, which is how it should be now. Give them a set amount of fuel and let them use what configuration they want. Let someone go the full distance on one set of tires if they want. If they truly want technical innovation, that's the way to go about it, not tell everyone they have to use the same thing. And that doesn't mean everyone will dump the hybrid units. Luca hasn't complained about the engine themselves, just the fuel and tire restrictions. This push for "green technology" is a farce, as Newey pointed out.



Newey also questioned the rationale behind the changes to hybrid turbos, questioning the free credentials of the changes, the relevance of the technology and the cost,

“My opinion is from a technical aspect first of all you have to question…the whole thing. When you get into things like batteries then an electric car is only green if it gets its power from a green source. If it gets its power from a coal-fired power station then clearly it’s not green at all. A hybrid car, which is effectively what the Formula One regulations are then a lot of energy goes into manufacturing those batteries and into the cars which is why they’re so expensive.

“And whether that then gives you a negative or a positive carbon footprint or not depends on the duty cycle of the car – how many miles does it do, is it cruising along the motorway at constant speed or stop-starting in a city. So this concept that a hybrid car is automatically green is a gross simplification

As Bernie said, if they are worried about appearing more environmentally friendly let the teams get rid of the army of motor homes they bring to the races or those huge hospitality suites.

Newey generally agrees with Luca on the new regulations.




James Allen

Red Bull Racing design guru Adrian Newey yesterday launched a broadside against the 2014 rules, questioning the environmental imperative for switching to hybrid turbo engines, the cost of the changeover and the relevance of the technology to the outside world.

“You have to question the whole thing,” he said.

Speaking as part of a panel of team technical experts in the Friday FIA press conference in Bahrain, the 55-year-old didn’t hold back in his criticisms and afterwards further detailed his reasoning to waiting TV and radio crews.

“It seems to me that what we have done is create a set of regulations which, whilst technically interesting, [still lead me] question whether it gets all the compromises right,” said the Red Bull Racing Chief Technical Officer. “Ultimately, there is a relationship between cost, weight, aerodynamics… all sorts of factors if you’re going to go into road relevance. How you weight that, how you proportion it is impossible for an open-wheeled single-seater. It’s a very different beast. So no easy answer. We’ve gone for a package which is very complicated, very expensive. The cost of the power unit has at least doubled compared to last year, which is difficult for some of the smaller teams.”

“I guess ultimately the spectators and the television viewers are going to vote with their feet. What we say in here won’t make much difference in truth. I think obviously all the talk is about the engines, as mentioned earlier, it’s not just about creating a formula that looks at how many litres of fuel you use per kilometre with everything else fixed, because everything else isn’t fixed in reality. If you go into the real world, cost isn’t fixed, the cost has gone up hugely to create this.”

"On top of that there are other ways, if you’re going to put that cost into a car, to make it fuel efficient. You can make it lighter, you can make it more aerodynamic, both of which are things that Formula One is good at.

For instance the cars are 10 per cent heavier this year, a result, directly, of the hybrid content. So I think technically, to be perfectly honest, it’s slightly questionable. From a sporting point of view, to me, efficiency, strategy etc, economy of driving, is very well placed for sportscars, which is a slightly different way of going racing. Formula One should be about excitement. It should be about man and machine performing at its maximum every single lap.”


Others agree with Luca too.





Mercedes F1 boss Niki Lauda has proposed a sweeping review of every rule change in Formula 1 for the past decade.

For some, the all-new era of quiet turbo V6 engines was the final straw that broke the floodgates of fierce criticism.

The harshest critic has been Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo, who has called for an emergency meeting with Formula 1′s major stakeholders.

On Thursday, FIA President Jean Todt said he is happy to sit down for such a meeting, inviting other important voices including ex Formula 1 drivers to speak up.

The first to accept the invitation is Niki Lauda, a Formula 1 legend and Mercedes’ team chairman, “We should draw up a list of all the rules that have been introduced or rewritten in the last ten years.”

The German magazine says it counts 77 major technical and sporting rule changes since 2005, including to Qualifying, points, tyres, spare cars, long-life engines, traction control, testing, KERS, DRS, bodywork, team orders, exhausts, diffusers, and many more.

Lauda said: “We should do a rule-by-rule check of what every change brought to us – what made sense, what did not.”




A good story on this here...


LINK>> We Need To Listen To Luca. FEATURE BY MIKE LAWRENCE (http://www.pitpass.com/51910/We-Need-To-Listen-To-Luca)

[mirafiori]

Reading Luca's statement again he stated he has concern for the direction of the sport, pointing towards the whole engine situation and also saying the rules are to complicated, and he believes it is his duty to do something for the good of formula one. As we all know over recent years formula one has been moving towards cost saving measures, very little testing fewer engines and gearboxes R&D capped, budget's on what teams spend as a whole is capped and then the natural progression towards green engines, from what I understand Renault was the team who wanted these V6 engines followed by Mercedes in fact both of these engine manufactures said if these new hybrid engines were not implemented they would seriously consider pulling out of formula one, Ferrari objected but were alone on this one in fact to put more pressure on Ferrari Honda said it would come back to formula one as an engine provider if these new hybrid engines were implemented so the FIA motor council voted in favour. It must of been a very difficult time for Luca with all your opposition wanting to go one way and you wanting to go another way, in the end Ferrari just had to back down after all we can not race alone and now we are where we are, what is most frustrating is we have an engine which is under performing and we are not allowed to do anything about it because of the rules.

[Greig]

Pretty sure Ferrari wanted the V6 and pushed for it along with Mercedes, FIA wanted 4 cylinder. Ferrari also had the right to veto the new engines and we never. The rest would be nothing without Ferrari so there is no way they could force Ferrari into voting against their wishes. Renault IIRC wanted the 4cyl turbo and Ferrari and Mercedes went against it.

[killer]

Open up the regs and put a limit only on cost. Formula 1 has some of the most brilliant people on the planet--they will find ways.

[mirafiori]

What is clear over the last decade formula one has been heading towards cost cutting measures and improving its carbon footprint, the whole engine situation is just the next progression for the sport to do its bit for the environment, I think Ferrari had to bow to these changing times even though it suited both Renault and Mercedes better and would help there road cars more than Ferrari but saying that this technology would also help The Fiat group as a whole. When these regulations was in its early stage none of us were present to hear all the debate but what is clear Ferrari would of been under a lot of pressure to implement this new regulation, as I have already said Both Renault and Mercedes threatened to pull out if this new engine rule was not implemented and Honda would not be coming back to the sport in 2015. After all we need other teams in the sport to have a fair competition.

[aroutis]

Pretty sure Ferrari wanted the V6 and pushed for it along with Mercedes, FIA wanted 4 cylinder. Ferrari also had the right to veto the new engines and we never. The rest would be nothing without Ferrari so there is no way they could force Ferrari into voting against their wishes. Renault IIRC wanted the 4cyl turbo and Ferrari and Mercedes went against it.
If he vetoed and was left alone then guess what would happen. Yeah.
Damn if you will and Damn if you don't.
So he didn't and look where we are.

[Hornet]

After the British GP was everyone marveling at the technology? No, the talk was about the fight between Vettel and Alonso. That's what people want to see. You can sometimes get too cute for your own good. The technology matters not one wit towards producing exciting races.


Well, that was my point. At the end of the day, most fans are only interested in the racing on track, they do not care about any technical directive, political bickering and other stuff that happens outside the circuit. Luca said the fans don't understand the sport, but I do not see what's so complicated about racing on Sunday, everyone understood the overtakings and that's what they appreciate. The complicated things are all going on behind the scene and it has nothing to do with how enjoyable the actual racing is to the audience.

If Luca takes issue with the technical direction of the sport, that's a separate discussion that has nothing to do with the fans.

[killer]

Well, that was my point. At the end of the day, most fans are only interested in the racing on track, they do not care about any technical directive, political bickering and other stuff that happens outside the circuit. Luca said the fans don't understand the sport, but I do not see what's so complicated about racing on Sunday, everyone understood the overtakings and that's what they appreciate. The complicated things are all going on behind the scene and it has nothing to do with how enjoyable the actual racing is to the audience.

If Luca takes issue with the technical direction of the sport, that's a separate discussion that has nothing to do with the fans.

I believe we must also consider sporting regulations that add to confusion. When you have 6 power plant components that can each only be used 5 times max before incurring a 10-place grid penalty (5 on the next infraction) that can be applied to the next race depending on where a driver qualifies AND theoretically incurring a 15-place (even more?) grid penalty... it does get a bit complex.

[NickEice]

Formula 1 has always been complex, and despite those of us thinking we are experts, we understand 1% of what is really going on out there. Can you really explain ground effects, active suspension, KERS, downforce generation, High and Low Pressure areas, how an engine works, how a turbo works, etc.

Sure we "Kind of" know how all these things work but we don't really. We don't understand to the level that an Allison or Newey understand.

If you ask me the actual sporting rules are pretty simple. It is no where near as complex as American Football. I am sure if someone sat down to watch American Football for the first time they too would be confused. Doesn't make it a bad sport though just like the sporting regs doesn't make F1 any worse.

[REDARMYSOJA]

Well, that was my point. At the end of the day, most fans are only interested in the racing on track, they do not care about any technical directive, political bickering and other stuff that happens outside the circuit. Luca said the fans don't understand the sport, but I do not see what's so complicated about racing on Sunday, everyone understood the overtakings and that's what they appreciate. The complicated things are all going on behind the scene and it has nothing to do with how enjoyable the actual racing is to the audience.

If Luca takes issue with the technical direction of the sport, that's a separate discussion that has nothing to do with the fans.

Fans will care when their driver/team is penalized because they used too many of these ICE TC MGU-K MGU-H ES CE. If the championship is decided on someone getting a grid penalty for using one too many of them it will make the sport look ridiculously overly complicated and over regulated.

And I don't think it's just the technical rules that Luca means are overly complicated. No one really knows who is going to get penalized for putting four wheels over the white line, etc. Even the drivers can't figure that one out.

[mirafiori]

Fans will care when their driver/team is penalized because they used too many of these ICE TC MGU-K MGU-H ES CE. If the championship is decided on someone getting a grid penalty for using one too many of them it will make the sport look ridiculously overly complicated and over regulated.

And I don't think it's just the technical rules that Luca means are overly complicated. No one really knows who is going to get penalized for putting four wheels over the white line, etc. Even the drivers can't figure that one out.

I think we have misunderstood Luca on this one, he is not saying the fans don't understand the rules, yes he did say the rules are too complicated and then goes on to say the drivers have turned into taxi drivers. They must save fuel and tyres instead of being fast. The teams have to decide how much fuel they're using and how many tyres are wearing out. Before it was the best man winning in the best car. He added Now, the viewers the ones in the stands and the ones in front of the TVs no longer understand, he then say's we must do something, otherwise F1 has no chance. So in a nutshell Luca is saying do we really want to see the drivers conserving fuel and tyres and running these hybrid engines which is fine for helping the technology of the next generation of family cars,this is why Luca is saying people at home or in the stands don't really understand anymore.

[Greig]

If he vetoed and was left alone then guess what would happen. Yeah.
Damn if you will and Damn if you don't.
So he didn't and look where we are.

Left alone? lol really you think the rest could survive without Ferrari, so you are now saying Luca is so weak he leads Ferrari on what other teams want?

Time for him to go if that is what you believe. Ferrari lobbied for the V6 turbo, and Luca has made no complaints about the engine rules anyway.

[Greig]

I think we have misunderstood Luca on this one, he is not saying the fans don't understand the rules, yes he did say the rules are too complicated and then goes on to say the drivers have turned into taxi drivers. They must save fuel and tyres instead of being fast. The teams have to decide how much fuel they're using and how many tyres are wearing out. Before it was the best man winning in the best car. He added Now, the viewers the ones in the stands and the ones in front of the TVs no longer understand, he then say's we must do something, otherwise F1 has no chance. So in a nutshell Luca is saying do we really want to see the drivers conserving fuel and tyres and running these hybrid engines which is fine for helping the technology of the next generation of family cars,this is why Luca is saying people at home or in the stands don't really understand anymore.

What don't you understand?

Tyre saving has been in F1 for as long as I can remember, fuel saving is also hardly a new thing in F1.

[aroutis]

Left alone? lol really you think the rest could survive without Ferrari, so you are now saying Luca is so weak he leads Ferrari on what other teams want?

Time for him to go if that is what you believe. Ferrari lobbied for the V6 turbo, and Luca has made no complaints about the engine rules anyway.
What I say is everyone wanted these engines bur Ferrari and blackmailed one way or the other for the adoption.
Now you can laugh all you want but that is how it played out and Luca could either say veto and call them and maybe they caved or not and if the did not (e.g Honda not joining and Mercedes and Renault leaving) then again you would blame Luca lol
As I said you always argue for the fun of it.

[Greig]

What I say is everyone wanted these engines bur Ferrari and blackmailed one way or the other for the adoption.
Now you can laugh all you want but that is how it played out and Luca could either say veto and call them and maybe they caved or not and if the did not (e.g Honda not joining and Mercedes and Renault leaving) then again you would blame Luca lol
As I said you always argue for the fun of it.

You really do have no idea what you are talking about, no need for you to further make up rubbish just to argue.

Luca has made no complaints about the engines, because he wanted these engines.

[aroutis]

You really do have no idea what you are talking about, no need for you to further make up rubbish just to argue.

Luca has made no complaints about the engines, because he wanted these engines.
When all else fails. ...

[Greig]

When all else fails. ...

As expected, realise you are wrong then change tact and avoid the issue.

Give it a rest you are boring now.

[aroutis]

As expected, realise you are wrong then change tact and avoid the issue.

Give it a rest you are boring now.
What I find boring is the level of arguing you resort to and you somehow expect people to follow. So ya you are right if that makes you happy not if course that it is true. Lol

[Greig]

What I find boring is the level of arguing you resort to and you somehow expect people to follow. So ya you are right if that makes you happy not if course that it is true. Lol

Well you can off course show us Luca complaining about the engines, otherwise stop posting rubbish and then crying when you get called out for it.

[aroutis]

Well you can off course show us Luca complaining about the engines, otherwise stop posting rubbish and then crying when you get called out for it.
That coming from the one that wouldn't show me specifics bout the decline of our domination?
I think not.

[Greig]

That coming from the one that wouldn't show me specifics bout the decline of our domination?
I think not.

The decline of our domination? what are you on about now? another fantasy that I never said?

[mirafiori]

What don't you understand?

Tyre saving has been in F1 for as long as I can remember, fuel saving is also hardly a new thing in F1.

We could debate this all day long and yes there has always been some form of efficiency to make the car last longer but this year it has taken it all to a new level and as Luca said we can not carry on like this. Look Greig let's wait and see what happens with these rules, I bet you Luca will make the others see sense and after the 2015 season we will see some changes where fuel and tyres won't be so restricted and the drivers will be able to push for the whole race, instead of letting cars go by because they don't want there tyres going off or drivers coasting round corners to save fuel. Finally for the engine's at this point I can not make any predictions this could be a political issue with Honda coming back.

[Silent Bob]

Well you can off course show us Luca complaining about the engines, otherwise stop posting rubbish and then crying when you get called out for it.



I think you are stretching it a bit by stating Luca lobbied for these engines. Yes he preferred the V6 turbos ovr the 4 cyls that were proposed, thankfully. But I haven't read anywhere that he lobbied for having 2 electic motors with that engine. And it is silly to say that Luca can just say no to any proposal. Its not like Mercedes and Renault are lightweights.

[Greig]

I think you are stretching it a bit by stating Luca lobbied for these engines. Yes he preferred the V6 turbos ovr the 4 cyls that were proposed, thankfully. But I haven't read anywhere that he lobbied for having 2 electic motors with that engine. And it is silly to say that Luca can just say no to any proposal. Its not like Mercedes and Renault are lightweights.

Yes Ferrari wanted the hybrid tech as well as it was relevant to what Ferrari do with road cars. Well yes we have a veto so we could easily have said no. And as said he is not even complaining about the engines so they are not even part of the problem he wants to fix. I think some of you are just a little confused about what he said. In the grand scheme of things then yes Merc and Renault are lightweights compared to Ferrari when it comes to F1 and they have come and gone from the sport.

[mirafiori]

I think you are stretching it a bit by stating Luca lobbied for these engines. Yes he preferred the V6 turbos ovr the 4 cyls that were proposed, thankfully. But I haven't read anywhere that he lobbied for having 2 electic motors with that engine. And it is silly to say that Luca can just say no to any proposal. Its not like Mercedes and Renault are lightweights.

You are probably right in what you say, from what I understand Renault wanted these specific engines the most and Ferrari wanted this solution of the engine the least, Mercedes was somewhere in the middle. Renault and Mercedes was always going to benefit from this technology the most due to what goes into there road cars and Ferrari would benefit the least, so I could never understand why we agreed to go down this route but don't forget Fiat is Ferrari's paymaster and this technology would help the Fiat group as a whole, Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Lancia Maserati, and so on. All we can do as fans is speculate why we have these engines, none of us were at these meeting when discussions were held to decide this technology.

[aroutis]

The decline of our domination? what are you on about now? another fantasy that I never said?
The decline of viewership.

[Greig]

The decline of viewership.

The decline you agreed happened? Don't you realise how silly you sound now?

[Greig]

don't forget Fiat is Ferrari's paymaster and this technology would help the Fiat group as a whole, Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Lancia Maserati, and so on. All we can do as fans is speculate why we have these engines, none of us were at these meeting when discussions were held to decide this technology.

Fiat are not our paymasters, the F1 team runs itself.

[aroutis]

The decline you agreed happened? Don't you realise how silly you sound now?
Seriously, don't you realize how boring you are?

[Greig]

Seriously, don't you realize how boring you are?

Why dont you grow up?

[aroutis]

Why dont you grow up?
boring...

[Nand0Nand0]

There's no point to a discussion where the parties think they are so right that they cannot learn anything from the other.

“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” - Albert Einstein

[Greig]

boring...

It is very boring having you whine on about something you agreed happened, yet you argue about it.

It's also very strange behaviour hence why maybe you should grow up and try and add something to the topic other than silly comments. You really do not need to reply to this either.

[aroutis]

It is very boring having you whine on about something you agreed happened, yet you argue about it.

It's also very strange behaviour hence why maybe you should grow up and try and add something to the topic other than silly comments. You really do not need to reply to this either.
Quit it already. I am not whining you say I do. I express my opinion to which I am entitled.Grow up and learn to accept you can agree even in a disagreement and by name calling you just show weakness.
You need not answer.

[Greig]

Quit it already. I am not whining you say I do. I express my opinion to which I am entitled.Grow up and learn to accept you can agree even in a disagreement and by name calling you just show weakness.
You need not answer.

Ok.

[REDARMYSOJA]

Well yes we have a veto so we could easily have said no. .

I'm beginning to wonder if this Ferrari veto is as strong as it seems on the surface. According to Joe Saward, the FIA can overrule the veto. If that is true, I'm not sure how valuable it is.

[Greig]

Bernie said we were the only ones able to stop the new engines, as we had the power to Veto them and he would have supported it.

[REDARMYSOJA]

Yeah, no doubt Ferrari ok'ed these engines. I was just surprised about the FIA over-rule ability. He also said they could not veto any rules introduced for safety nor if the veto was "prejudicial to the championship", whatever that means.

[Greig]

Yeah, no doubt Ferrari ok'ed these engines. I was just surprised about the FIA over-rule ability. He also said they could not veto any rules introduced for safety nor if the veto was "prejudicial to the championship", whatever that means.

I imagine we could not veto Merc being awarded points :-D

[REDARMYSOJA]

I imagine we could not veto Merc being awarded points :-D

:lol So it is worthless.

[VresiBerba]

So, it's out, yeah?

http://www.thescuderia.net/forums/showthread.php/28572-Montezemelo-in-or-out

[enjaybel3]

I think Luca is right. I was at the Australian GP and everyone there was negative about it. A lot about the sound, a lot who don't understand why drivers have to do their race plan instead of racing. Many have F1 on their phones and they don't like driver to be told save tire or fuel or something like stick to our plan don't race so and so who is coming up behind. They just want to see racing.

I think now people don't complain so much because they have already left and don't watch F1 anymore.

[mirafiori]

Even if we do have this veto, sometimes in life you do have to be realistic, what sense would it be to veto new engine technology if the only competition you have threatens to leave the sport and also deter others from entering the sport i.e Honda. For me there is clearly something wrong, From the very first race Mercedes is clearly way ahead of the rest but due to the pathetic rules we can do absolutely nothing about it. This year i'am looking to go to Monza but I already know we will be nowhere near winning the race, how can this engine freeze rule be any good for the sport if the team you support can not get back to a competitive level with the competition, how can these rules be helping viewing figures world wide. Yesterday at hockenheim it was clear a lot of the grandstands were empty, even sky commentators mentioned this and this is the home of Mercedes.

[Greig]

Just as well Luca is not complaining about the engines then isn't it.

Most tracks have less fans on a Saturday than Sunday, not sure why you think that is an indication of anything?

[mirafiori]

Just as well Luca is not complaining about the engines then isn't it.

Most tracks have less fans on a Saturday than Sunday, not sure why you think that is an indication of anything?

I'am like millions of people who sit at home and watch the TV, listen to the commentators who are in the sport and read articles from the web or in newspapers and then you use your intelligence to give an opinion, now the facts are viewing figures are down world wide, Luca is a very intelligent person and i would rather agree with him.

[Greig]

I'am like millions of people who sit at home and watch the TV, listen to the commentators who are in the sport and read articles from the web or in newspapers and then you use your intelligence to give an opinion, now the facts are viewing figures are down world wide, Luca is a very intelligent person and i would rather agree with him.

He is still not complaining about the engines though, we have no viewing figures for this year? Figures were down last year as we discussed for many reasons with most of them being down to China and Brazil that was last year without these new rules Luca is saying need fixed. Luca sure is intelligent does not mean we have to nod along and agree with him every time he speaks.

Unless you have this years figures?

[mirafiori]

He is still not complaining about the engines though, we have no viewing figures for this year? Figures were down last year as we discussed for many reasons with most of them being down to China and Brazil that was last year without these new rules Luca is saying need fixed. Luca sure is intelligent does not mean we have to nod along and agree with him every time he speaks.

Unless you have this years figures?

Well we don't know if he is complaining about the engines but Luca has said there is a lack of noise from the engines, like I said before, what we do know, he is not happy, so lets wait and see what happens in the near future, ( BY 2015 ) Patrick Head is not happy he say's the engines cost 10 times more than last year, but he does say the technology is fantastic but its not for formula to introduce. Also Adrian Newey is very critical of these new 2014 hybrid engines and questioning the the cost and efficiency and he say's when you take the batteries into consideration it does not make any sense, also he said this years car is 10 percent heavier compared to last year questioning the whole concept of this technology. In Bahrain there was a meeting between Jean Todd, Luca, and Bernie about the direction of Formula one, now that was only the 3rd race into the 2014 calendar, half way round the world, so something is going to happen and when it does I will remind you. Oh and Bernie who is not my favourite person also hates the sound of these engines and was dead against this technology from the very beginning.

[Kiwi Nick]

I know that viewing stats are not in for this year, but did you notice that the stands in Germany were about half full, at best?

[Silent Bob]

He is still not complaining about the engines though, we have no viewing figures for this year? Figures were down last year as we discussed for many reasons with most of them being down to China and Brazil that was last year without these new rules Luca is saying need fixed. Luca sure is intelligent does not mean we have to nod along and agree with him every time he speaks.

Unless you have this years figures?

Right. Lets just ignore what a lot of the big names in F1 and a lot of the fans are saying, tuck our tails between our legs and pretend evrything is ok because viewer decline is nothing new. Obviously F1 trying things like exhaist trumpets and sparking floor plates to liven the show means everything is hunky dorey. Why argue with what seems to be majority sentiment? EVEN MOST of the posters on this site agree F1 is not what it should be. It is artificial and does not promote all out racing. I'm with redarmysoja, give the teams a directive, and let.them decide how to achieve it... 150 kilos of fuel, 30% of power needs to be electric, refueling allowed, use which ever tires you choose at beginning of race. Then let them loose.

[Silent Bob]

I know that viewing stats are not in for this year, but did you notice that the stands in Germany were about half full, at best?


Yup. Along with Malaysia. China. India. Lets see how long before American seat sales decline as well as a host of others.

[Greig]

Right. Lets just ignore what a lot of the big names in F1 and a lot of the fans are saying, tuck our tails between our legs and pretend evrything is ok because viewer decline is nothing new. Obviously F1 trying things like exhaist trumpets and sparking floor plates to liven the show means everything is hunky dorey. Why argue with what seems to be majority sentiment? EVEN MOST of the posters on this site agree F1 is not what it should be. It is artificial and does not promote all out racing. I'm with redarmysoja, give the teams a directive, and let.them decide how to achieve it... 150 kilos of fuel, 30% of power needs to be electric, refueling allowed, use which ever tires you choose at beginning of race. Then let them loose.

I think the racing this year has been very good, much better than previous seasons. Sorry if you find that unacceptable but that's how I feel.

Since we have no idea about viewing figures this year then we don't know if the viewers are down or up on last year which is what I said?

[Greig]

Yup. Along with Malaysia. China. India. Lets see how long before American seat sales decline as well as a host of others.

And they were full last year or the year before?

Nope.

[mirafiori]

I think the racing this year has been very good, much better than previous seasons. Sorry if you find that unacceptable but that's how I feel.

Since we have no idea about viewing figures this year then we don't know if the viewers are down or up on last year which is what I said?

Well if you are happy with the racing this year and as you say Greig better than previous years then good for you. For me these new rules are hurting the sport, again in Germany we saw drivers unable to push the car, over team radio to Vettel you need to conserve fuel, Vettel replied so I can't fight with the car in front you want me to save fuel OK. This situation is happening with all the drivers even Mercedes and when you add tyre saving to this we the customer are not seeing the ultimate show. The whole engine situation is the thing I hate the most, Mercedes has done the best job but that's it now for the rest of the year we just watch Mercedes running away in first and second. The engine freeze has to be the most stupid rule of all time, we are not allowed to touch the engine to make it go quicker or make the engine more fuel efficient so we can try to catch Mercedes and give us fans at least some hope to see out teams fight for a race win. Don't get me wrong I think this new engine technology is fantastic and we should see some of this technology in our road cars in the next 5 to 10 years but I question if it is formula one duty to do this for the car manufactures around the world. Finally I was recently at Goodwood and I was stood by the track and all the different cars were going by and after a while it gets a bit boring but you appreciate cars from different decades going by but then a 2009 Ferrari was announced next to go round the track, first off all you could hear it at the start all the crowd was very excited then the flag goes down you could hear this beast coming towards you, then when it went past everyone had a massive smile on there face some people was laughing with joy and that is what I miss along with millions of people from around the world.

[aroutis]

Well if you are happy with the racing this year and as you say Greig better than previous years then good for you. For me these new rules are hurting the sport, again in Germany we saw drivers unable to push the car, over team radio to Vettel you need to conserve fuel, Vettel replied so I can't fight with the car in front you want me to save fuel OK. This situation is happening with all the drivers even Mercedes and when you add tyre saving to this we the customer are not seeing the ultimate show. The whole engine situation is the thing I hate the most, Mercedes has done the best job but that's it now for the rest of the year we just watch Mercedes running away in first and second. The engine freeze has to be the most stupid rule of all time, we are not allowed to touch the engine to make it go quicker or make the engine more fuel efficient so we can try to catch Mercedes and give us fans at least some hope to see out teams fight for a race win. Don't get me wrong I think this new engine technology is fantastic and we should see some of this technology in our road cars in the next 5 to 10 years but I question if it is formula one duty to do this for the car manufactures around the world. Finally I was recently at Goodwood and I was stood by the track and all the different cars were going by and after a while it gets a bit boring but you appreciate cars from different decades going by but then a 2009 Ferrari was announced next to go round the track, first off all you could hear it at the start all the crowd was very excited then the flag goes down you could hear this beast coming towards you, then when it went past everyone had a massive smile on there face some people was laughing with joy and that is what I miss along with millions of people from around the world.
In a nutshell. Amen!

[Greig]

Well if you are happy with the racing this year and as you say Greig better than previous years then good for you. For me these new rules are hurting the sport, again in Germany we saw drivers unable to push the car, over team radio to Vettel you need to conserve fuel, Vettel replied so I can't fight with the car in front you want me to save fuel OK. This situation is happening with all the drivers even Mercedes and when you add tyre saving to this we the customer are not seeing the ultimate show. The whole engine situation is the thing I hate the most, Mercedes has done the best job but that's it now for the rest of the year we just watch Mercedes running away in first and second. The engine freeze has to be the most stupid rule of all time, we are not allowed to touch the engine to make it go quicker or make the engine more fuel efficient so we can try to catch Mercedes and give us fans at least some hope to see out teams fight for a race win. Don't get me wrong I think this new engine technology is fantastic and we should see some of this technology in our road cars in the next 5 to 10 years but I question if it is formula one duty to do this for the car manufactures around the world. Finally I was recently at Goodwood and I was stood by the track and all the different cars were going by and after a while it gets a bit boring but you appreciate cars from different decades going by but then a 2009 Ferrari was announced next to go round the track, first off all you could hear it at the start all the crowd was very excited then the flag goes down you could hear this beast coming towards you, then when it went past everyone had a massive smile on there face some people was laughing with joy and that is what I miss along with millions of people from around the world.

Saving fuel is hardly a new thing, it's been going on for years and years. The new engine sound is terrible but it does not really affect the racing we are having and seeing the drivers having to work the car round the track is so much more fun than them being glued to the track then again maybe it's just me that likes to see a driver having to work for a good result and most prefer cars stuck to the track and just mash the throttle without any skill.

If you don't think the new engines and aero rules have brought the sport a bit more towards driver skill then good for you. What will happen if viewing figures increase this year?

[mirafiori]

Saving fuel is hardly a new thing, it's been going on for years and years. The new engine sound is terrible but it does not really affect the racing we are having and seeing the drivers having to work the car round the track is so much more fun than them being glued to the track then again maybe it's just me that likes to see a driver having to work for a good result and most prefer cars stuck to the track and just mash the throttle without any skill.

If you don't think the new engines and aero rules have brought the sport a bit more towards driver skill then good for you. What will happen if viewing figures increase this year?

Look if these rules are the same in 2015 and the sport chooses to continue in this direction and viewing figures have increased, then I have no problem in accepting this is a successful recipe for the sport and the viewing public as a whole. What ever it chooses to do I will never miss a race, on TV or at a race track somewhere in the world. I would like to see refueling back, I would like to see testing back, the engines is probably the most political issue but for now at least let us work on the engine all year round. As for the tyres I'am quite happy to continue the way we are right now but what would be great if another tyre manufacture could be introduced.

[enjaybel3]

Hasn't Bernie already confirmed the viewing audience is down?

I can't agree that the drivers sliding all dealing with snapping oversteer is a good spectacle. If it was then F1 would be go-karts. If you want watch good racing watch the GP2. No DRS no fuel flow and lots of real racing. Goes on from start to finish. I know the cars and engine are the same, but that's to keep the costs extremely low. What it shows is you can have great racing without gimmicks, which is what Luca is pushing for. Also GP2 has real racing engines that sound like real racing engines.

[Greig]

Hasn't Bernie already confirmed the viewing audience is down?

I can't agree that the drivers sliding all dealing with snapping oversteer is a good spectacle. If it was then F1 would be go-karts. If you want watch good racing watch the GP2. No DRS no fuel flow and lots of real racing. Goes on from start to finish. I know the cars and engine are the same, but that's to keep the costs extremely low. What it shows is you can have great racing without gimmicks, which is what Luca is pushing for. Also GP2 has real racing engines that sound like real racing engines.

Funny that cause most drivers say go-karts are the closest form of racing to F1. So you would rather car glued to the track with very little driver skill required? Find that a strange point of view but oh well. The action this year we witnessed at the British GP with drivers having to drive the car was so much better than the last 5 years but each to their own. I don't really want to watch GP2 as I prefer F1 thanks though :-)

[mirafiori]

Hasn't Bernie already confirmed the viewing audience is down?

I can't agree that the drivers sliding all dealing with snapping oversteer is a good spectacle. If it was then F1 would be go-karts. If you want watch good racing watch the GP2. No DRS no fuel flow and lots of real racing. Goes on from start to finish. I know the cars and engine are the same, but that's to keep the costs extremely low. What it shows is you can have great racing without gimmicks, which is what Luca is pushing for. Also GP2 has real racing engines that sound like real racing engines.

The one thing i'am sure about is we will go back to the V8 it might take 5 or 6 years but come on that sound is surly missed.

[enjaybel3]

The one thing i'am sure about is we will go back to the V8 it might take 5 or 6 years but come on that sound is surly missed.

GP2 is well worth the watch IMO. The sound is a bonus, and the racing is full on from start to finish. No DRS and definitely no "lift and coast" ROFL.

[ARUN M KARUNAN]

Tv ratings will be problem in this year only.the problem will be fixed when next year 2 or 3 teams fight for wcc rather than one man show

[ManFromMilan]

Not going to start a new thread, i think this will fit in here very well...



Formula 1 teams should stop controlling drivers, says Horner

Formula 1 teams must stop trying to control their drivers so much if the sport is going to make them heroes again, reckons Red Bull boss Christian Horner.

As F1 continues to search for answers over a decline in fan interest levels, one theory gaining traction is that drivers have been made too corporate and too boring.

That is because there is too much influence on strategy and performance coming from the pitwall rather than the cockpit, plus drivers are not able to speak out with their true feelings because teams and sponsors baulk at controversy.

But with the sport now becoming more open to the potential need for change, Horner suggests teams must loosen their restrictions on driver behaviour.

"We need to allow the drivers to express themselves more without them being hit by criticism," said Horner, who faced his fair share of controversy in recent years when former team-mates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber hit out at each other.

"We need to allow their personalities to come out. They have opinions, they have personalities and we should encourage them to see more of them."

Horner also reckons that an over-reliance on team radio information is giving the impression that drivers are simply following instructions rather than being masters of their own destiny.

"Sometimes it feels that the races are a bit too managed," he admitted.

"In conditions like we had in Hungary - just look at [Fernando] Alonso and how fantastic he was. [Lewis] Hamilton came from the back and look at Daniel making his passing around the outside and doing incredible things."

DRIVERS MUST BE FOCUS

Horner stirred up controversy at the Hungarian Grand Prix when he blamed the media for creating negativity around the sport this season.
Christian Horner

That comes despite the teams having agreed hated rules such as double points, plus key figures including Bernie Ecclestone and Luca di Montezemolo being the first to hit out at the new 2014 regulations.

Horner stands by his comments about the media, though, because he says the focus has to be on promoting the drivers.

"I said some things earlier in the weekend that I stand by - because when we focus on the racing we have a great sport," he said.

"F1 needs to be about the drivers being the heroes, and in Hungary they were. That is F1 at its best, not just in Hungary but in Germany as well.

"For me that is what I enjoy, what I love to see, and that is all part of competition. We need to keep going down that route and make sure that happens."

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/115208

[ManFromMilan]

Niki Lauda says F1 doesn't need Flavio Briatore to boost popularity

Niki Lauda insists that Formula 1 does not need former team boss Flavio Briatore to help find ways to make itself more popular.

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone told teams at last weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix that he wanted Briatore involved in a new working group that would look at ways to boost the sport's appeal.

But Lauda, whose Mercedes team is going to be a part of the popularity group, thinks that Briatore's involvement is unnecessary and that Ecclestone alone should be trusted to make changes.

"Why do we need Flavio?" said Lauda. "Bernie is the man in charge, and he should stay in charge.

"I think we should think together with Bernie, as he is the master of what we can improve."

Interestingly, despite Ecclestone telling teams he wanted Briatore involved in the group over the weekend, he has now suggested that the Italian may be not be essential.

Speaking to German publication Auto Motor Und Sport on Tuesday, Ecclestone said: "We do not need Flavio. We can do it ourselves."

CHANGES ALREADY HAPPENING

Lauda believes that the sport is already addressing things that needed changing and he reckons that a key contributor to recent races being exciting is that drivers are more willing to take risks.

That is due to a change of approach from race stewards in dealing with incidents since the Austrian Grand Prix, where they no longer punish drivers for crashing unless they do something blatantly wrong.

"I have to say the change that we had with the stewards, to not get involved as much as before, was a great move," said Lauda.

"Even the Sauber in the middle of the road [in Hockenheim] was exciting. If there was a safety car, everyone would have got bored.

"So Hockenheim was an improvement, and in Hungary there was no investigation as there were a lot of things that could have been looked at. It is going in the right direction."

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/115215

[Kiwi Nick]

I agree with Horner to an extent. It is really disappointing, and I suppose even crushing to some fans to hear the pit wall radio to their hero and say, "OK Bippie, we need you to turn to Magic 13 on the blue and Bingo 6 on the red . Left brake is 10 degrees C too hot so ease off going into turn 3. Please read the fuel usage numbers to me. Good, we can push for 8 laps then ease back a bit for three more before pitting. Nico is making up time by out braking you at turns 5 and 9. Oh, and your team mate is faster than you (wink, wink). Is that clear?"

All the fan wants is for his hero to race as fast as he can and show off his great driving skill. When F1, or anything else, gets this complicated it loses its purity. That's why football is king. Pure and beautiful.

[stefa]

I agree with Horner to an extent. It is really disappointing, and I suppose even crushing to some fans to hear the pit wall radio to their hero and say, "OK Bippie, we need you to turn to Magic 13 on the blue and Bingo 6 on the red . Left brake is 10 degrees C too hot so ease off going into turn 3. Please read the fuel usage numbers to me. Good, we can push for 8 laps then ease back a bit for three more before pitting. Nico is making up time by out braking you at turns 5 and 9. Oh, and your team mate is faster than you (wink, wink). Is that clear?"

All the fan wants is for his hero to race as fast as he can and show off his great driving skill. When F1, or anything else, gets this complicated it loses its purity. That's why football is king. Pure and beautiful.

COMPLETELY agree with you! Except the part with the football is the king :-)
Modern F1 racing becomes like strategic game play for pit wall crews.

[Hornet]

I agree with Horner to an extent. It is really disappointing, and I suppose even crushing to some fans to hear the pit wall radio to their hero and say, "OK Bippie, we need you to turn to Magic 13 on the blue and Bingo 6 on the red . Left brake is 10 degrees C too hot so ease off going into turn 3. Please read the fuel usage numbers to me. Good, we can push for 8 laps then ease back a bit for three more before pitting. Nico is making up time by out braking you at turns 5 and 9. Oh, and your team mate is faster than you (wink, wink). Is that clear?"

All the fan wants is for his hero to race as fast as he can and show off his great driving skill. When F1, or anything else, gets this complicated it loses its purity. That's why football is king. Pure and beautiful.
All drivers rely on pit wall for information that they cannot know. It's just more visible now because of the broadcast of radio. No one had any issue when we did not know about it back then, but it doesn't mean it wasn't going on.

Just don't pay attention to it I guess, or have them disable radio message broadcasting so the fans have one less thing to complain about. I don't see what's so crushing about it.

[Kiwi Nick]

All drivers rely on pit wall for information that they cannot know. It's just more visible now because of the broadcast of radio. No one had any issue when we did not know about it back then, but it doesn't mean it wasn't going on.

Just don't pay attention to it I guess, or have them disable radio message broadcasting so the fans have one less thing to complain about. I don't see what's so crushing about it.

The problem is not that I can hear the radio transmissions, it is that there are radio transmissions instructing the driver how to reset a computer that then controls how the car behaves and therefore how the driver performs. To paraphrase one Ferrari WDC...Leave them alone, they know what they're doing!

[Hornet]

That's just because the car is more complex today, but drivers have always fine tune their car all the time. For example, they change the brake bias every lap for different section of the circuit in order to get optimum braking performance for different kind of corners. And that is in addition to strategy and so on.

And it doesn't negatively impact the racing, so who cares really. We still see exciting races by Alonso vs Vettel, Ric, etc etc despite the complexity of a modern F1 car. Shut off the radio transmission and the fans wouldn't even know what's going on in terms of communication, because it doesn't affect what we're seeing on track.