Alonso: The concept of what constitutes a Grand Prix will change this year

[Nero Horse]

With a week to go until free practice gets underway in Albert Park, Alonso is training hard to be as well prepared as possible when the Ferrari F14 T makes its race weekend debut.

Fernando has tackled an all-encompassing training regime in Dubai including running, cycling, karting and even football, which is a particular passion of the Maranello driver.

However, his mental focus is already on the Melbourne track and all the unknown factors that involves. “We come to the start of this championship with the team having had twelve days of testing, while as a driver I’ve had six. A few more days would have been useful, given how much has changed for this season.“

“With every lap of testing we learned something, and improved pretty much constantly. I think that will still be the case in Australia, especially on the first day and then actually in the first few races.”

There are the usual unknowns because the cars are still new, but there are also those linked to the rule changes.

“The new Formula 1 rules are very different to what we were used to. I think the concept of what constitutes a grand prix will actually change this year, with Saturday and Sunday being very different from one another. In qualifying, one will be able to get everything out of the car, pushing the new power unit to the limit, trying to get the absolutely best result. But in the race you won’t get anywhere near that level.”

“Last year, towards the end of the races, on new tyres, you could do very quick lap times, whereas in the closing stages this year, you will have to bear in mind how much fuel you have left, the state of the batteries and that of the tyres. You will need to be very clever to manage these parameters and the new race strategies could see drivers being unable to go flat out to the end.”

Alonso also had a thought for those watching the races at home. “As drivers, we will get used to it quickly and so I hope that these rules aren’t immediately overturned and that they stay unchanged for a few years. Otherwise the spectators could lose confidence in this new Formula 1 which is very complex.”

The season opening Australian Grand Prix weekend starts with the first free practice session at Albert Park, in Melbourne, on 14 March.


http://grandprix247.com/2014/03/07/a...nge-this-year/

[SS454]

basically the start of a crappy F1. It may have the appearance of some good spectacle, but an F1 car not going flat out is a waste of time imo. It's been heading this way since 2004 when they limited engines.

[Hornet]

Yep, the drivers in what is supposed to be the pinnacle of motorsports should be racing hard on track, not play a game of strategy. It's unfortunate that the technical changes introduced in recent years doesn't even try to encourage more racing between drivers. It's like the decision makers have completely forgotten that F1 is autoracing, not platform to show off green technology and budget efficiency. I wonder if anyone ever ask, "wouldn't these changes forces driver to be more conservative, maybe we should rethink this"

[abbottcostello]

Would have been a lot more sensible to take the fuel limit down in steps to give the teams a chance to refine the power mapping programs, these first races will be too much like chess matches I fear. I wouldn't be surprised to see a lot of DNF's in the first 2 or 3 races until teams get their cars somewhat sorted.

It will be crucial to get the maximum out of the ERS for a car to be able to push for a respectable number of laps. If your car only has partial input from these ERS, it will be doing leisurely lap times - no fun at all! If Melbourne is a complete fiasco I would not be surprised to see some "emergency re-thinking" of the 100kg fuel limit before Malaysia
Really hoping we're all wrong & it's somewhat exciting, as right now I am excited for the racing to begin!

[wisepie]

Too many restrictions on unknown factors will probably result in a farce, just what the anti-F1 lobby would like! This isn't motor-racing, more like playing the lottery IMO. The drivers will be so busy trying to work out what they need to do to finish, rather than racing. Bonkers.

[abbottcostello]

Definitely going to be more instructions coming from the pit wall, constant strategy tweaks, setting changes, etc. Some of that is a good thing but I think it has to be getting to the point of brain overload for the drivers.
Yeah, just what you said, wisepie! I'm thinking this is where having experienced drivers will be quite valuable.

[Nero Horse]

Too many restrictions on unknown factors will probably result in a farce, just what the anti-F1 lobby would like! This isn't motor-racing, more like playing the lottery IMO. The drivers will be so busy trying to work out what they need to do to finish, rather than racing. Bonkers.

Agreed. The importance and prevalence of strategy has become too big compared to the real flat out racing. Now it's all about trying to save this, trying to save that, and then also try to save that and this...pfff LOL.

I don't like it either, but unfortunately that's the state of things at the moment, and all we can do is try to get used to it as much as possible. *sigh*

[brembo man]

Definitely going to be more instructions coming from the pit wall, constant strategy tweaks, setting changes, etc. Some of that is a good thing but I think it has to be getting to the point of brain overload for the drivers.
Yeah, just what you said, wisepie! I'm thinking this is where having experienced drivers will be quite valuable.

Hey Abbott ! Will " Who's on pole?" be the winner most every race like last year? With everyone else praying just to finish the race.

[Nova]

Well one thing is for sure..with the cars going so much slower this year, we can get a much better look at them as they trundle by saving fuel.

[abbottcostello]

Hey Abbott ! Will " Who's on pole?" be the winner most every race like last year? With everyone else praying just to finish the race.

That is an excellent question. I think the first 3 or 4 races have a possibility of being free for alls. Until they get a good handle on how much they can push (do you push early then cruise, or do you just try & keep the leader in sight then push hard at the end when it's easier on tires?), the results could be a little crazy while teams get good strategies that are reliable. Once they get past the first few & they've got some data, it may all settle down, I just hope it doesn't get too predictable!

Well one thing is for sure..with the cars going so much slower this year, we can get a much better look at them as they trundle by saving fuel.

Give us all a better chance to study those great looking noses in depth