Maybe we have seen why the F60 is not so good

MS got in the 2007 F1 car and after a few laps was clicking off consistent times. Luca had 3 days to practice and still didn't look comfortable. If you 'had it' before then it's easy to find it quickly again in a short time. If you never did 'have it' then all the time in the world won't be enough to 'find it'. Pounding around on your own can't be compared to a race situation.

One of the things that always impressed Ross about MS was his ability to talk about the car and what he wanted in detail while racing, not just during a pit stop. Ross said a number of other drivers in his experience lost their concentration when they tried to do more than one thing at a time. Mistakes by Luca would seem to validate the observation by Ross about some drivers.
CH

 

First off, it's an unfair comparison. MS is a 7 Time WDC, Luca is just a test driver. MS was one of a kind, Luca is just a regular test driver, with the biggest team in the sport.

 

Valencia was just a test for Luca. I've mentioned earlier, if he doesn't get up to pace by Spa, then definitely, he needs to be replaced. Also, refer to my above post

 

I think what we're really seeing, this year, is just how short sighted the F1 "machine" has become (e.g. Max).

The 2008 season was unique in F1 history, for one significant oddity: No driver changes.
Every team ran the entire season with the same two drivers.
No driver changes, no temporary fill-ins for injuries.

For 2009, FIA imposed a "testing ban", which was none too bright an idea by itself, ... but they utterly forgot about the need to bring in a replacement driver mid-season.

The test drivers sit idle, no new young driver can be given a test run in the car, no fill-in retired geezer can get his mojo back.

The testing ban has ruined more than the ability of teams to make a disadvantaged car competitive during the year.
They've also lost the ability to get the bullpen warmed up.

Short sighted.

 

I know we have different views over some situations but this is nail on the head!

 

Absolutely correct.
The question is if anyone at the FIA has learned anything.

 

BAD's in a tough spot.
I think his marching orders were; "dont wad the car". But no-one expected this.
Alguessari (sp, I know) and Grossjean came up to speed with no tests either in one race.
Driving these cars is not riding a bicycle, you have to stay on the edge that only competition in similar cars gives.

It just reinforces my opinion of these drivers in general.
Thats why I get up tight when someone says "Driver XYZ sucks".
No-one on the grid sucks (even Piquet was a 95%er IMO); they are just a very few percents less together where as the top drivers are 98% plus.

Disclaimer; All calculations done with calibrated seat of the pants calculator (Pat Pend) Do not be fooled by immitators.

I'm curious as to what my lap times would be? Probably 10 or 20 seconds off ? Who knows ?
PS I'm willing to make that sacrifice if called upon so as to establish a "worst case" base.

 

Not quite absolutely correct.
It can be argued that Ferrari and McL have brought their 'disadvantaged' cars up to speed during this season without any testing.

 

Its one of those ideas that sound good in a Board room full of Yes men.

 

There has been some improvement.
The one possible benefit has been some leveling of the field but I'm not sure that can be put down to the test-ban. In fact one could argue that the Brawn's success is due to the fact that they were able to do their testing on this year's car unencumbered last year.

 

Except for a slightly blown pitstop McL would have 2 wins on the trot. I'd say that's a bit more than some improvement.

No question Brawn's early advantage was due to the car being developed largely under last years testing rules. But as we have seen their somewhat limited developement resources have allowed the other more resourceful teams to catch them. But at what expense to those teams?

 

big call!! not even mclaren says that.

 

In fact MW went so far as to say that it had nothing to do with the loss and that they still don't have a car as good as the Brawn.

Once everyone catches up and is on the same schedule will the test ban increase the gap between the rich and poor(er) teams? It seems so.

 

Baloney. They were caught with their pants down and they know it.

 

So they cop to an inferior design rather than a momentary lapse?
Truth is no one can say what would have happened.

 

bottom line Luca needs to go.

 

Well said. The testing ban was just a quick jump into conclusion after Honda's pullout..

 

Yes good post. Mosley it's a safety issue supposedly your forté !!!

 

well said., it's like the yankees in baseball they let the other teams develop the talent then hire them to play for the best team