Ecclestone, Di Montezemelo and Todt hold meeting to improve F1

Meanwhile in the real world global tourism is expanding constantly. Carbon foot print by tourism grows every year.

 

I believe that we will see the beginning of virtual tourism before long.

It may start with virtual museums and art galleries soon.

Watch this space !

 

I believe that virtual tourism is increasing too but I doubt it will ever have a big impact on real tourism. People want to experience other places, cultures etc. Museums, galleries and F1 races are only attractions, but people want to take their selfies in front of the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben.

 

<p>Bernie Ecclestone believes fans will switch off from Formula One if the sport does not make a few changes going forward.</p> <p>Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has been openly critical of the new sport, arguing the fuel saving aspect is damaging the spectacle. Mercedes has defended the new regulations, saying any changes at this stage would be "absurd", but Ecclestone is worried about the public losing interest. </p> <p>"I think we have to [do something]," he said. "For sure I don't think the way things are at the moment is acceptable to the public. People who buy tickets for here can go somewhere else. They are expecting to see Formula One and what Formula One used to be."</p> <p>Ecclestone said the new engines are impressive pieces of engineering, but are not what Formula One should be about.</p> <p>"What is wrong with these fantastic engines? These engines without any doubt are incredible. The amount of power they produce for a small amount of fuel, but I don't think that is Formula One's business. They should be in touring cars or something."</p> <p>He believes the sound of the turbocharged engines is still the main bugbear, but is also considering Ferrari's proposal of increasing the fuel allowance.</p> <p>"I think they can do something about the noise," he said. "If they need another 10kg of fuel or something."</p> <p>He said the rules could be changed without upsetting the competitive order and is convinced Mercedes will get behind the ideas.</p> <p>"They shouldn't be punished for doing a good job. We shouldn't change the regulations to punish them. </p> <p>"I think everybody is complaining, even Mercedes. They don't like people not being happy." </p>

This belongs here I think... From espn f1....

 

Interestingly Williams counterpart Pat Symonds disagrees, saying the new rules are "relevant to the future of the automotive industry."

 

Mercedes co-team boss Toto Wolff says the push by Red Bull and Ferrari to change new Formula 1 rules is "absurd".
Red Bull are keen to ditch the fuel-flow limit that is central to the new efficiency-based F1 and Ferrari want to shorten races or increase the maximum fuel allowance.
Wolff said: "This whole discussion is absurd. The rules are the rules.
"If you want to change the rules, you can do it for next year but I don't see that happening."

Lifted from ze BBC

 

The large teams losing want rule changes, the team dominating don't want to change a thing.

There is nothing new here.

 

Bingo!

 

Yes, however put simply Merc have done a better job, here the Wolff-man makes a valid point.

Wolff said: "We are 0.8secs off pole from last year, with a heavier car that is 25% down on downforce, with much harder tyres.
"We are at the beginning of the season, with 30% more efficient car, 30% less consumption, with more power, more torque, and with better straight-line speed. So what we are we talking about?
"We are in a brilliant technical revolution and we talk the sport down."
Mercedes are in a dominant position with a car that is as much as a second a lap faster than their closest rivals.

 

For the most part I agree. A change needed to happen before the cars became dinosaurs in terms of tech.

I understand RB not caring about technology and road cars, put simply why would they? However Ferrari's complaining seems not to fall in line with Luca's complaining last year and the tech his road cars are deploying.

It seems to be a real case of change being great just as long as it helps us win. If we don't do a good job building our car, change isn't good for the sport.

I don't care what they say now, change RB or Ferrari for Mercedes and they wouldn't have a damn thing to say about these new changes. They would wait patiently for the FIA's boom box exhaust solution or however they resolve that issue and enjoy dominating for the season.

 

Yes I agree, your happy when your winning.

 

Incorrect; this time the fans are the driving force behind the unhappiness. The other teams - besides MB - are reacting to the massive outcry and hatred of this new Formula. The winning team is always happy; in any sport.
The noise is just one of the big issues; th cars are ugly as hell (how many will buy die casts of these abortions)....but more than that, the racing is uncompetitive.
I expected a lot more passing, challenges for the lead etc. NONE of that is happening....
I

 

And it won't regardless of how they tweak the cars. The Tilkedromes aren't configured to facilitate passing.

 

Fans seems mostly focused on noise. Or lack of it.

The teams losing seem focused on more than that and any attempt to suggest that Ferrari and RB are complaining because of fans is a fabrication. If they were winning they would wait patiently for a noise solution. The FIA have already stated last week they will address those noses for next season.

I didn't see Red Bull go running to the FIA concerned about fans leaving the sport whilst Vettel was dominating and there was little challenge for the lead. Nor Ferrari during their dominance. Doing it now is very transparent.

 

But not necessarily wrong

 

Its wrong if they aren't consistent and didn't complain about a team dominating the sport because it was them.

Again, if you can point me in the direction of their complaints to the FIA on the fans behalf about lack of challenge for the leadership and their concerns about dwindling interest whilst they were winning I would certainly take note and perhaps change my opinion.

 

It may or may be unseemly for them to complain but that doesn't mean that they don't have a case.

 

It does however make their case weak, hypocritical and self serving.

 

But not wrong.

 

That opinion isn't universal and they should be reminded of that. So should those fans who think it is.

 

There are those who hold that the world is flat.

 

+1

Great racing, great cars.

 

Well they should be told in no uncertain terms to stop living in the past.

The same advice should be given to those complaining of these changes, both teams and fans alike.

 

And there are whiners who are never happy with anything. Luckily baseball season just started. They should follow that. Much less rule changes.

 

If you want to reminisce about F1 get some DVD's. If you want engine noise go to the airport. If you want to complain get married.