JEAN TODT On New F1 Circuits And Overtaking

Want passing?

A) get rid of aerodynamics
B) get rid of chicanes and multi-turn turns
C) let the cars run as fast as they can.

 

All this passing stuff drives me crazy.... its not "natural" ... if you want passing like in NASCAR... then you have to have a field of 40 - 50 cars... then you will have passing all over the place.... that will affect the race.

 

Well, besides the aero and circuit designs, the V8 19k rev limited engine is just a failure. they need to switch back to V10s, limit the car's aero and get rid of Tilke.

 

Unfortunately, it's not that simple. Circuit design is heavily limited by the FIA in regards to what you and I would like to see in terms of corners.

Additionally, if aero is the sole reason overtaking is impossible consider wet racing. Little to no mechanical grip yet the relatively unchanged effect of aerodynamics when compared to dry running. Yet somehow there's more overtaking in the wet. Just food for thought...

 

+1 It's not like it's ever been any different....

In what way has the rev-restricted V8 been a failure? [OK, they don't sound as good, but they'll still make your hair stand on end IMO] The reliability they're getting is insane, and I'm sure most (not all) the teams appreciate that. They're almost as fast as they ever were - Aren't the laptimes at Interlagos pretty much identical to the V10's? [One of the few tracks that hasn't changed IIRC] and the racing is as close as it's ever been.

A failure? Not IMO

Cheers,
Ian

 

I take these 3 as the first steps towards proper racing.

Also, eliminate low kerbs, tarmac run-off areas, and impose time penalties for those constantly racing outside the designated track.

 

You suggest tightening the track to enhance passing? I don't follow.

 

I fear the new tires and wheels are just going to make it worse.

The reason for the little 13 inch rims was to limit brake size. With the new large rims (because Pirelli didn't want to make high sidewall tires), what will that do to brakes?

I still think getting rid of the esoteric brake materials would help. Drivers can't out-brake each other when they all use maximum braking for every corner. Force them to conserve their brakes, and they have to choose when they heat 'em up.

 

Well Ian, good points, but the ever since the V8s came about, it's just so difficult to see some good entertaining dry races (Brazil 2006 was good though).

My point is, similiar to Kubica and Massa IIRC, commented back in 2007 that the V8s, because of the restriction, lacks the 'final kick' to overtake. And to a certain extend, they're quite right about it.

This year has given us a few entertaining race, but only when it's wet. Brazil, Malaysia, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi was boring as hell though.

 

I think there's more overtaking in the wet, because it neutralizes the entire field. Basically separates boys from men.

 

While that was discussed, they eventually agreed to stay with the 13's - The wheels remain the same - At least for next year.

Cheers,
Ian
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That is it right there, spray down each circuit before the race, that will add to the excitement......maybe even a new sponsorship op for bernie with Rain-x or something?(joke, kinda)

 

No, my suggestion was to force drivers to stay on the track.

Haven't you noticed how often these days, drivers put 2, 3 and even 4 wheels OUTSIDE the designated track in all impunity?

There is now no more penalty for 'coming off', missing braking or even cutting across chicanes.
I was recently watching a replay of the Italian GP at Monza this year, and couldn't believe how often cars cut across chicanes or used the tarmac outside the track at the exit of corners (Ascari chicane) without incuring any damage to their cars and no pernalty by the stewards.

That's what I would like to be 'tightened'. You don't cut corners at Monaco, for example, and 'getting it wrong' should incur some sort of time penalty. Otherwise, what's the point?

I think the track designers and the sporting authorities invite that behaviour by creating too many occasions, on the ground of safety (I presume).

 

I understand and agree that the track boundaries have become too "negotiable". While broad run-off areas are needed for safety excursions could be instantly penalized if the curbs were higher or the car stopping sand traps closer.
I though that you were implying that increasing enforcement would enhance passing.

 

It could probably reduce speed in corners if the drivers have to take tighter lines, meaning more braking and maybe more overtaking opportunities perhaps?

But I just find it incredible that drivers nowadays can 'come off' and rejoin the track without any penalty. That invites them to take 'liberties'..
I find all that 'kerb hopping' distasteful.

 

Your citing Monaco points out how artificial most tracks have become. While I don't think that drivers should risk injury for going off track there should be a disincentive for doing so.

BTW It seems that my subscription notifications have gone dead. Anyone else having a problem?

 

A) Is it F1 any more if they get rid of all aerodynamics?

B) Yes.

C) Never going to happen. The FIA is now in environmental/safety mode.
Every year they look at ways to slow cars down. Making them faster wont give us passing. Just watch a GP2 race on the same weekend, sometimes these slower cars seem to be able to overtake.

Exactly. That's why I don't understand the point of this interview. The FIA have restrictions in place to guide Tilke on what can and cannot be designed into each circuit. It comes down to gradient and camber, I guess these rules came from a post-senna era of safety. (Max Mosley legacy )

Plus of course we need to look at the cars themselves with the mechanical v aero grip levels. Lesser formula can have overtaking on circuits which are lacking for F1 but I still want to see interesting new circuits on the calendar as well as the traditional circuits.
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Exactly my point, but now they are almost encouraged for doing so.

Have you seen La Source at Spa? It used to be a tight hairpin, difficult to negotiate in group.
Now, some drivers take a wide line outside the linits of the track and overtake in all impunity on the tarmac extension that almost double the width at that point!
It doesn't take you long for doing the same here if you have been regularly overtaken there for a few laps!
Before it was a trip in the kitty litter or, much worse, kissing the armco there. I know: I did it!!

 

Spa remains unique, if only for the elevation changes. I can only imagine what it was like when it stretched to Malmedy. I do remember, and miss, the Masta Kink though.

 

I agree with Todt.

 

Max will be crushed!


Happy Monday

 

Moto GP has its own guidelines as well. The arena section at Silverstone only came about because of differences between F1 and MotoGP guidelines. Bridges on the circuit had to be widened etc.

 

LOL Well Mosley had far to long to get it right, and failed, All it takes is a bit of common sense and fair play...

Mosley had none.

 

I remember what Gilles Villeneuve said about the 1981 cars. His solution was:
Limit the downforce
Increase tyre width to increase mechanical grip
Limit the engines to 600/650 bhp

It's a recipe from almost 30 years ago, but imho a good one.