F1 2011 season

[Fab Foodie]

And we're off!

 

[mickle]

Yup!

 

[John Ponting]

Got up & switched on just as they formed on the grid.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Well, the racing's no more exciting, still a bit of a procession-fest IMO. The new tech and new rules gave the commentators something extra to talk about at least.
Still, early days I guess. Malaysian dull-fest next time.
Pleased for Petrov as a surprise podium.

 

[mark barker]

Totally agree FF, Petrov was a surprise! I loved the idea of the new rear wings, but would've preferred to have seen less rules about when they can be used. Seems like a lot of effort for one straight. Would love to see the rules relaxed in general so we can get some real innovation back in F1.

 

[MossCommuter]

Totally agree FF, Petrov was a surprise! I loved the idea of the new rear wings, but would've preferred to have seen less rules about when they can be used. Seems like a lot of effort for one straight. Would love to see the rules relaxed in general so we can get some real innovation back in F1.

I had to agree with Niki Lauda when he said that having too many rules effectively means F1 are dictating when the drivers are allowed to pass. If there is a stalled rear wing or DRS or whatever it is - leave it up to the driver when to deploy it. Too soon and they fall off the road. Too late and they don't get the advantage - another skill alongside late breaking.

You have to love the Red Bull KERS saga - Christian Horner played a blinder there!

 

[Fab Foodie]

Mark and Moss
I couldn't agree more. Less rules would make for more interesting developments and less predictable racing. The argument was that this would favour the teams with the biggest development budgets and give them a greater advantage.

But the Kers and the Wing thing, the extra rules and all the extra knobs and levers on the steering wheel seem wrong to me. It's more like flying a fighter plane than racing an automobile.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

Good race though, I thought.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Good race though, I thought.

I guess by F1 standards, but there wasn't much racing going-on.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

I guess by F1 standards, but there wasn't much racing going-on.

Were you watching the same race as me? I thought Button's laps trying to get past Massa were brilliant, especially when later in the race, Massa had to do much the same to get past Buemi.

 

[dellzeqq]

Were you watching the same race as me? I thought Button's laps trying to get past Massa were brilliant, especially when later in the race, Massa had to do much the same to get past Buemi.

you make it sound about 0.001% as exciting as the average NASCAR race!

 

[bauldbairn]

Well, the racing's no more exciting, still a bit of a procession-fest IMO. Malaysian dull-fest next time.

Too true - why were all these new tracks built without making more overtaking opportunities a priority???

Would love to see the rules relaxed in general so we can get some real innovation back in F1.

+1, I understand all the health and safety concerns - but wasn't it great "back in the day" when one season or weekend somebodies car would appear with something truly revolutionary.
Remember the cars with the large turbo fans to suck them down onto the track - cars with spring loaded gators to seal them onto the track to increase ground effect(I think) - and who could forget the six wheeler Tyrrell with what looked like 4 go-cart wheels on the front.

You have to love the Red Bull KERS saga - Christian Horner played a blinder there!

I believe our own Mr Hamilton was about to(and I think Button did?) blame a failing KERS for lack of power when Horner announced that the Red Bulls didn't have any.

 

[tyred]

Not a classic race but still entertaining I thought. Some great defending by Massa against Button, exceptional drives by Vettel, Hamilton, Petrov and that new Mexican bloke in the Sauber. Rubens Barrichello should consider glasses.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

I like the banger racing with caravans!

 

[mark barker]

and that new Mexican bloke in the Sauber.

I was really impressed with the Saubers, thought they did a great job. Sadly they've been disqualified for an illegal rear wing This scrutineering after the race is daft. Wouldn't it be far easier to do it before qualifying so all the cars are legal? Sure there could be changes made during the sessions, but the penalties for doing so could be huge and random scrutineering could be introduced after the race to ensure they comply.