Keeping the circuit Green

Anthony_Ferrari · Oct 21, 2005

http://www.gp2005.com/news/controller.php?lang=en&theme=default&team_id=0&month=10&seasonid=2&nextMode=GpNewsForm&news_id=15383

I thought this sounded interesting:

At Suzuka there was a strange grid, similar to the season opener in Melbourne where a lot of the fast guys started from the back of the grid. Therefore, they were forced to overtake on the circuit instead of hoping to gain a position in the pits. However, unlike other events where this has happened, the miracle of Suzuka was in the fact that the cars did not seem to be that affected by the turbulences from those in front of them, even Fernando Alonso was surprised how easy it was to follow a competitor.

Williams man Patrick Head made a very interesting point. He remembered back to the Silverstone Grand prix in 2003, which like Suzuka was a great race with a lot of on track fights and overtaking, and on a circuit which is normally just as difficult to overtake on as Suzuka. But Silverstone 2003 and Suzuka 2005 have one thing in common, it rained on Saturday.

Thanks to the rain, the surface was washed clean of all the rubber laid down over the weekend, meaning that when the drivers were racing, they had very little grip, but not just here and there, it was everywhere, and this allowed the drivers to use different lines. The poorer grip from the track, the less importance is placed on aerodynamic influences, because everybody is sliding.

FIAs Charlie Whiting thinks Patrick Head is right and he is now considers washing the circuit every Saturday night next year so that drivers will have to race on a green track, just like they did in Suzuka. What a great idea!
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I think cleaning the circuit is a good idea. I also think they still need to reduce aero and braking power. This would all encouraging overtaking and closer racing.

jknight · Oct 21, 2005

That's about a dumb idea - it would require more equipment at every race (except for Spa as rain is a given) and someone to operate it which translates into more costs therefore most likely passed on to the ticket purchaser - tickets are high now. Next thing you know, will be F1 racing in a dome in artificial, climate controlled conditions.

Carol

bretm · Oct 21, 2005

They could just limit aero, or get rid of wings all together; that would be too easy though I'm afraid...

Remy Zero · Oct 21, 2005

crappy idea...don't like the sound of it...let the race just go on naturally...

BMW.SauberF1Team · Oct 21, 2005

I think it's a good idea only if it makes every race as exciting as Suzuka this past season. Bring it on!

Gilles27 · Oct 21, 2005

Oh my god. Well, why stop there? Why not flood the track before each race to ensure exciting, wet-weather racing! Wait...even better yet...FREEZE the surface! That should affect grip levels.

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Keeping the circuit Green

Anthony_Ferrari Formula 3

jknight F1 Veteran

bretm F1 Rookie

Remy Zero Two Time F1 World Champ

BMW.SauberF1Team F1 World Champ

Gilles27 F1 World Champ

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