Not only was it a new dimension of stratergy, it soon became the only one.

A ban on pit stops will obviously have to be introduced along side regulation changes that make overtaking more possible, the 2009 regulations haven't really worked, the cars seem to run a bit closer, but still not close enough.

Overtaking could be improved by only allowing the cars main aerodynamic parts to have the same cross section across their whole length, and regulate the diffuser so that it is far simpler in design. This would be a massive step back to the 90s in technical terms, but it would probrably result in cars that are much less sensetive/reliant on aerodynamics, hopefully alowing cars to run closer together.

There is of course the possibility that because the chassis, aero, engine, tyre and fuel rules are so feckin strict, that removing refuelling could actually make the racing better.

The cars are already tightly matched on the track, and the biggest gaps are only made because of a different in refuel strategy. You remove that, and we might actually see pack racing in F1 again.

Quote from Mp3 Astra :

And can you really say you'd rather have no passing than passing in in the pitlane due to strategy decisions?

I didn't say that. You have overlooked the rather obvious idea that because they can't wait for the pitstops to pass (using the lighter in lap or two to gain time on the now heavier car that was in front - with no refuelling the first car to pit is quicker because they'd have fresher tyres and the same fuel), which means quite simply they get stuck in.

Nearly every car on the grid has passed other cars occasionally. Hamilton is lauded for it (including the passes against slowing or sick cars for some reason), but Alonso, Kimi, Button, Barrichello, Webber, Vettel, Massa, Kubica (indeed, Massa versus Kubica ) etc etc etc have all managed it. Look at Schumacher at Monaco passing lots of cars on a track where it's impossible to pass. Look at Alonso passing Schumi into 150R (aka 130R, but it's been made less tight, so I call it 150R), look at...

Sure, it's hard to pass. It's meant to be. But it's mostly not done because the drivers are either waiting for the fuel stops. I think banning the pointless 'spectacle' of refuelling - plugging a hose in and taking it off again; wow, some spectacle) will encourage overtaking to occur on track, not reduce it even further.

The drivers probrably will be more willing to try and make moves, but I think the cars are still half the problem. They're still too reliant on aerodynamic grip.

Of course they are, but if excessive aero sensitivity (not to be confused with reliance) is 50% of the problem, and drivers waiting for fuel stops is the other 50%, then getting rid of one of those will surely help.

Making the cars less sensitive to 'dirty air' should be another target, without reducing the grip or the speed of the cars - F1 has to be the pinnacle, and it would be silly to turn them into powerful Formula Fords when GP2, F3, FRenault and even my own little Monoposto happily play with downforce.

The solution to the downforce shouldn't be removal of the problem.

Bridgestone should also have increased the rear tyre width for next season, not reduced the fronts. That will have an impact, as everyone has to start again on front wing design to suit the new tyres...

Quote from JPeace :

lol, liuzzi had his chance in the redbull.. and he blew it tbh but w/e gl for him

Yes, but his stay at RedBull was hardly the easiest. He's always been worth a second shot.

Quote from JPeace :

true, true..

anyone who has his level of acheivement in karting is always worth a second shot

Not just karting though. He was grade A* all the way to F1

Quote from Todt :

Eh, cant get any better than this ey?

http://www.formula1.com/photos/597x478/manual/todtstodd.jpg

Quote from rich_hobo94 :

Anyways, what does everyone think about the refueling ban? I think it's ridiculous to get rid of it... isn't it one of the most important factor in race strategy? I mean, how much could it possibly save?!?!?

Save? Save money? €400,000 per team (and per season?) according to Adrian Newey. See the last question here: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/76850

They should allow the cars to be 1.8m(?) wide again, just for asthetic reasons, there is something wrong with the narrow tracks cars since 1998, they just don't look right. (Although it could be said that that will not improve overtaking).

Quote from 5haz :

Getting a reputation is one thing, keeping it up is another.

Remember that although F1 cars are very similar now, Fishy will still be stepping straight from a car with certain handling characteristics, to another car which may handle completely differently, with no testing thanks to the utterly stupid ban.

I don't expect too great results from him at this race, but I think if Ferrari give him enough of a chance he will be up there (you could say the same for nearly any driver on the grid though I guess).

+1, was thinking that the whole time.

Might as well give him high heel shoes. Hes mastered walking in normal shoes, but now hes in a different form of shoe.

LOL, worst example ever!

Quote from Intermediate07 :

+1

he wasn't really fast and when they put Vettel into the 2nd car in Hungary 2007 who embarrased him it was clear that he won't drive any longer

Not really actually. only japan and china, luizzi was behind and he came 6th in china compared to Vettels 4th so it can't be that bad.

Quote from Intermediate07 :

I agree with you in some points, but if you compare him to Vettel, who didn't have so much experience at this time, his performance was worse!!

Luizzi never is and will be a Vettel but he is still better then a few drivers on the grid today.

Is anyone watching the BBC's streaming FP1 coverage? I've got no sound on mine at the moment...

Quote from amp88 :

Is anyone watching the BBC's streaming FP1 coverage? I've got no sound on mine at the moment...

In the office at work, I HAVE to keep the sound down

But it does work.

Strangely I can only get the high quality version to work, the normal one just stalls

Quote from amp88 :

Is anyone watching the BBC's streaming FP1 coverage? I've got no sound on mine at the moment...

Aha! I had no sound, and spent 15 minutes restarting my window manager, sound daemon, etc. Eventually it worked, so I thought it was something I did. Good to know that BBC F1 streaming is still dodgy.

Damn, I love Monza as a spectator's circuit, it just feel right to see F1 cars on it.

Quote from carey :

Oh right, I’m the only decadent c**t watching it from home on interactive then

Student scum!

I'm sure some people (including me) are home watching

BTW what is that thingy on the top of Liuzzi's helmet?

Quote from hyntty :

I'm sure some people (including me) are home watching

BTW what is that thingy on the top of Liuzzi's helmet?

dunno


I was supposed to go to school but i woke up 2 hours too late and mom let me stay home watch F1, I was pretty happy

Lets hope Fisi can get some fast times

oh, he runs wide :/

http://www.eplsite.com/channel3.html

Stream for you guys!

Are Renault definately running KERS then?

Quote from HVS5b :

Are Renault definately running KERS then?

yes


Yaay, 8th place for fisi!

Sutil 3rd

Gerrin there. Those Maccas look fast, kerb riding as well as ever, solid engine and KERS. Could be hard to beat this weekend

Not bad from Fisi - a tenth quicker, even using the softer tyres, is about a year quicker than Badoer would have gone.