F1 2008

Originally Posted by BigFoot

Yet, wasn't refuelling brought back to spice up the racing to start with?

Exactly, although if I remember correctly the idea came from a strategy that Brabham used with Nelson Piquet during the 1982 British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch. The rumour was that Piquet had not been fueled unitl the end of the race, so would have to come in for a fuel stop. His early pace was impressive, and he did put away quite impressively, althogh he retired before the 'pit-stop window', so it was never confirmed whether he was actually going to refuel.

I'd love to see an end to refueling. And mandatory tyre changes too.

It used to be brilliant watching someone like Prost sitting around midfield for the first half the race, seemingly off the pace. Then suddenly, as the leaders tyres start to go off, he'd make his move and cut through the pack effortlessly.

But don't refuelling and tyre changing keep the pack closer together with more overtaking opportunities?

Originally Posted by BigFoot

But don't refuelling and tyre changing keep the pack closer together with more overtaking opportunities?

The overtaking opportunities ARE the pitstops though

They just need to set up a legends series where its cars rules and regs from the late 80's/early 90's.
I'd rather watch that that current F1.

As for fueling DC does make some sense. I mean you could in theory see a Force India with full race fuel not stopping for tyres racing a Ferrari that may have stopped for tyres twice. You are bound to see overtaking in that scenario.
Problem is they all have the same simulation software that gives the quickest strategy for the race. So its more likely that everyone will keep similar strategies as now.
They should just ban simulators etc so no teams can predict what might happen for every given situation.
Also should give them a maximum fuel quantity for the race like Moto GP(i'm presuming they dont now?). If you run out tough - something the driver has to manage throughout the race

I can see where DC is coming from. F1 races are now just full speed sprints where racecraft is hardly required. As soon as your tyres lose their edge you are knackered.

I also think the safety car is grossly unfair to the driver who has carved out a hard earned lead, and possibly compromised his tyres doing it. All the "slow coaches" (and I use that term with consideable caution) catch up. If a driver has what it takes to drive off into the disance then good on him.

The only development I have really enjoyed is the current qualifying which is fair to everyone and has produced some stunning last gasp laps as in the 'old days'. If you are an afficionado of driving 'on the limit' there is some wonderful driving to be seen

Carrying less fuel is safer for the drivers, but with modern fuel cell technology the fire risk is thankfully a lot less than it was.

AlfaLincs

Originally Posted by HSTDriver

The overtaking opportunities ARE the pitstops though

I think that no matter what they do these days, It just won't be the same.

Seeing Kimi in a WRC car would be great, that would spice it up a little.

I have a feeling that as soon as Kimi leaves F1 that will be him done with driving, he's got a GP2 team that could take up a lot of his time, but you never know, WRC has brought out some great Finnish drivers over the years.

Given that we have the new Valencia street circuit this weekend I thought it was time we resurected this thread.

So what do we all think about Ruebens comments about his chances at the weekend, does he have any or is it all hot air? Do Toyota stand a chance of bettering BMW in the constructors?

We'll have to see what happens!

Things will change dramatically over the weekend as the circuit rubbers in and people work out and copy the best lines. If Ferrari's recent problems have been related to a knife edge set up then it doesn't bode well for them.
I think the BMW's have enough speed to beat Toyota in the constructors race.
Hopefully with a completely new circuit we should see some mistakes in Qualifying and also with strategy's that the computer models say will work but just don't in real life.

Can't wait.

From what I've read, all the drivers are quite excited about Valencia, though I am not sure whether that's because of the circuit or because of the sangria

I'm looking forward to this weekend, taken Friday off so I can watch the practice sessions.

Only 3 more weekends and I'll be watching the race from the stands in Monza, can't wait, even bought an Alfa Flag to take with me.

Awesome

Will try to look out for your Alfa flag on the telly

A heads up then, I'm in Stands 5 which is on the left of the start line opposite the pit lane exit.

Have heard a few others on here are going as well, not sure who just yet, have to get a thread going to see.

Dermo165Ti & Damien_c are going

Originally Posted by alimac1973

I'm looking forward to this weekend, taken Friday off so I can watch the practice sessions.

Only 3 more weekends and I'll be watching the race from the stands in Monza, can't wait, even bought an Alfa Flag to take with me.

Hey as BF said we are there as well .. 2004,2006,and 200000000000008....

In stand A of parabolica (coudnt pronounce any other part of the track )

We will be the ones with the Alfa owners polo shirts and of course Ferrari on the sunday

Flying out on wed before staying in milan until the wed after.

Might even get a pint or ten of Bicardi in

I know I know a GIRL's drink but i love coke