Titanium skid plates to create sparks???

I feel disappointed day by day..

 

Don't understand why people are so upset on this.

Normal skid plates = not many visible sparks except in dark.

titanium skid plates = many sparks. Sparks are cool. What's the big deal? It's not artificial. The skid plate remains a skidplate. It does exactly the same as before, except more sparks.

If cars where fitted with 2 titanium wires constantly touching the ground simply to create sparks, THAT is artificial....

 

haters gonna hate.

 

Why don't they just play fake engine noises and give everyone earphones?

 

One positive is that it'll show which cars are running closer to the ground. Where the sparks are coming from could show differences in relative rake. It could be quite informative.

All the best,
Andrew.

 

Personally, I like them. The sport has many more serious issues than this.

 

Me, personally, I'm waiting for the lawsuit when a building at some random track catches fire from the sparks due to inclement drought conditions.....

 

It's a bit like Ford recycling the "Thunderbird" name, or Alfa making a "GTV-6" in FWD, or yet another Ghibli.

People who've lost the thread, trying to recapture past glories.

"Remember when we were good?"


Never a good thing for a "constructors' series" to be looking backwards.

 

Yep.....

And where's the 'negatives' in a *return* to titanium skid plates? They used them back in the so called 'good ol' days' for example.....

OTOH, & I understand why they have it, but the plank I've always considered a little 'agricultural'....F1 cars shouldn't be carrying lumber!.....

Cheers,
Ian

 

Hey, they do often refer to F1 as the "circus", and sparks have always been a part of the circus.

Anyway, it's just harmless eye candy that isn't meant to ruin anyone's day.

Happy new season, folks. Go SEB & KIMI !!!!

Cheers, Hank

 

You and Bas are spot on! I love that they are back.

 

Agree completely!

 

I love the sparks, just like in the good ol' days!

 

No issues with these. Showbiz part of sport.

 

This

 

Agreed!

All the best,
Andrew.

 

I know its not trendy to say but I like the change to titanium plates and I also like the helmet rule too.

The cars look and sound better than last year as well.

 

Another vote in favor of the new titanium skid plates.
The tungsten plates from the 80's were a bit over the top.
The recent yellow plank smoke (most notable at Eau Rouge) was boring.
I think the new plates hit the mark.
Also, should I be this gleeful that Alonso jumped to McLaren? It feels like karma to me.

 

It wont be quite so "harmless" if it causes a driver to be distracted during one of the night races resulting in an accident! - That might ruin quite a few peoples day!

 

As a photographer - I like the sparks!

Robb

 

I don't mind the sparks either. But have a question: Is there a minimum thickness this year as well? That could be a problem, no?

I also noticed the tranny is an 8-sp now; don't remember which cars were shown in qualifying, but saw at least 2 showing an '8'. Is that across the board? Never heard of that rule change. They've been 7 for many years, right?

 

They changed to 8 speeds with the rule change last year. Probably didn't notice as not many were using the big ass display most are now running - I've also noticed their displays are sometimes easier to read than in the past (color monitors?).

Also worth noting that these 8 ratios are fixed, and must be declared to the FIA ahead of the season. Last year they had a little 'wiggle room' - IIRC, they were allowed up to two changes last year, not sure about this one. (?)

Cheers,
Ian

 

Hi Phill, - - - not saying your thinking is wrong --------- but compared to the sun hanging low in the sky, dashing between trees that make forward vision go bright and then dark ......or gusting winds at some turn that throw one into the kitty litter (was it #15)) ....... or temperature changes that make the whole pit lane go bonkers as regards tire maintenance.

As for night races, the overall lighting scheme is such that its coverage is even more uniform than that of the sun's.

In this light, would you not agree that the sparks are actually, pretty harmless?

Countdown in just 3 hours (here in California, USA).

Cheers all, Hank