The first grand prix of the season was a tad bit dull. I don't think it is an apocalypses like some in the F1 universe. There will be more interesting and entertaining races in the future.
However that said, the racing could be improved. An immediate thing could be done: change the tires regulations.
The FIA and teams need to look at the tire regulations and change them to fit where the sport is right now. I would recommend two things that could in place before Melbourne:
- Eliminate the mandatory use of both tire compounds: The 'two tire" rule is one of the stupidest rules still on the books. It pigeon holes teams into a specific tire strategy. For example everyone in Bahrain one stopped the race and changed to the same tires because the rules basically dictated it. That doesn't help. Let's scrap this rule so teams can run the optimal strategy for the equipment they have. If Lotus wants to run a no-stop strategy, so be it. If Michael Schumacher wants to five stop a race again, then OK! That alone would help mix the racing up a bit. However it would be even better if...
- With the mandatory two compound rule gone, have Bridgestone bring a third compound to the race. A third compound, especially a softer compound, would allow teams the flexibility to optimized their strategy and be more flexible as the race goes along. With the elimination of the two tire rule and bringing another compound, we would go a long way towards solving the immediate "problem" we saw on Sunday.
However in the long-term, the sport needs to do more to make the racing better. The efforts of the overtaking working group have obviously failed. You only need to compare the IRL race in San Paulo with the Bahrain G.P. to see the difference between good close racing and what we have now.
No, spec cars are not the answer. However, I think these are.
- Cut back the electronics: Formula One took a great step forward when they banned traction control and engine braking a few years ago. However they need to go father. They need to ban all the computers except for telemetry. Put the driver back in control. Instead of a twenty different fuel settings on his steering wheel, make the driver's right foot directly responsible for fuel management. I would even go as far to say ban automatic gearboxes, instead go back to the semi-automatic we had a few years ago. Again, put the driver in control instead of the computers.
- Fix the problems created by Overtaking Working Group left. The efforts of the overtaking working group of a few years back were turned to sunder as soon as they ruled Brawn, Toyota, and Williams' double diffuser legal. I'm glad that the teams have agreed to not use the double diffuser next year. That a good step. That will go a long way towards fixing the problems of cars trying to follow each over.
I think these things in the aggregate would go a long way in fixing the lack of action we see on the track. What do you think?
