What's the verdict on refueling?

I agree.

 

Totally agree. This last race was incredibly boring.

While it would make the FIA look foolish (for asking teams to develop cars with big fuel tanks that can go a whole race), they should let their customers needs overrule their pride and go back to refueling. I can't imagine it would be that big of a deal to implement and it would at least take us back to where we were last year, which was much more exiting than the first race this year.

 

I think that it creates its own set of challenges where the true performance of the cars and drivers is masked because of tire strategy and conservation. Races are less the flat out sprints they used to be. That said I cannot say better or worse just a different challenge that the top teams and drivers will adapt to. The change is nice though just for the sake of change and the speed of the pitstops was truly incredible.

I do wonder how things would play out with no refueling or tire stops.

 

Yes i am going to miss the re-fueling, it did add to the excitement.
Also it would be great if they could develop a tyre that can take hard punishment. I dont want to see drivers like LH and MS have to look after tyres. I want balls out racing.

 

Go fast, refuel, go fast, refuel....someone wins.....NOW would be a good time for this to come back.... NOW

 

I'm a little torn on this one. Like a lot of fans, I grew tired of seeing races being decided in the pits. I'm actually surprised to see so many here crying out for its return, since the races used to consist of 3 mini-sprints separated by refueling stops. IMO, refueling inhibited on-track overtaking more than this scenario does. I'm definitely glad they got rid of the mandatory starting fuel levels for the top 10--too derivative. I give the FIA credit in that they seemed to be listening to the fans on this one. But the frustrating thing is, they never seem to make a comprehensive change that takes into consideration all possible options and outcomes. I'm going to let this bed in a little before deciding--keep in mind Bahrain is a dust bowl and isn't necessarily the best indicator of the quality of racing we can expect.

 

Geezis...it's only been one race. Let's see how it goes. Frankly I'd like to see races with NO pit stops. I think the "two compound rule" should be abandoned too.

 

You say "Geezie its only been one race". Then you just go and give an opinion like the rest of us. A kind of waisted "Geezie"

 

Agree 100%. I was never a fan of knowing the initial fuel load though, killed the mystery....

 

The refueling ban has to go, but I seriously doubt the FIA would make such a big rule change during a season.
One idea would be to have Bridgestone get more aggressive with its option compound. They should offer a super soft tire that has significantly high grip, high wear and is good for an extra few seconds per lap. The speed and wear rates would encourage more stopping.

 

anyone think a manditory 2 stop rule is a bad idea?

i also agree this rule change wont be changed during the season, i do however think the no refueling rule wont make it to 2011

 

I just wish they would quit messing with the rules every year. You can't save money by making everyone build completely new cars or constantly changing the engines. Ever since they changed the points system to try to keep Michael from winning the WDC it has been death by a thousand cuts. They made the points between first and second closer and nobody felt it worth the points to fight for the lead. Each year they made a few changes that didn't work or made things worse, and each time someone found their way around the regs and the FIA didn't stop them. Last year's diffuser mess being a prime example, and there is still a problem with them this year.

Maybe technology has made it impossible, but I just hate the gimmicks that are introduced to "improve the show". Be it having to use two different tire compounds in the race or other such artificial things that have no real purpose other than to introduce an element of chance in the outcome.

Having followed F1 for 50 years, it sure isn't what it was. It is a lot safer, thankfully, but it isn't as much fun as it used to be. Maybe because it is now a show and not a race.

 

As hard as Matchett tried to make the pitstops exciting this year on Speed, I'd still rather see refueling. I think the teams would, too.

 

~ what he said.

 

I won't make up my mind on this for a few races. Bahrain is a horrible race, as it's always been. I think the weight of the cars, the heat, the horribly bumpy track, and the fact that this was the first time any of these drivers were in the cars under anything near these conditions (not to mention RACING in them) contributed to the less than satisfactory grand prix. Australia is always exciting, and I don't suspect this year to be any different.

I still have hopes that the refueling ban will give us some exciting racing.

 

I'd give it a couple of more races before making a final decision but to Me, Bahrain seemed more like a mini GT/LeMans race than F1. As Schumacher said after the race, first there was the excitment of the start and the first lap, then you just settled into your own pace and tried to look after the car and manage the tyres until the end of the race.
(Strangely enough, in the film: "LeMans", when asked how he will race, Steve McQueen replys: "Try to save the car, go as fast as I can and try to win". Very reminiscent of the Bahrain GP really, where saving the car was the first priority for most drivers).

At least with refueling the teams could change stratergy during the race and do something different to most the other teams to make up for any disadvantages encountered. Also, drivers could take a chance and put a charge on knowing that if they wrecked the tyres by pushing too hard or whilst attempting an overtake, they still had a chance to get back into contention.

In Bahrain, everybody used the exact same stratergy and drivers didn't dare risk wrecking the tyres because they knew it would wreck their whole race. This to Me is not what F1 is about.

 

I guess we "old guys" have more or less the same opinion. Since F1 is essentially a spec car series they need some gimmicks to make it more, uh, "exciting." Sort of like "NASCAR yellow".

Jack.

 

If they bring back refueling, think how much more commentary Bob Varsha will be
able to add - oh, and KERS - can't forget the KERS commentary.




Jedi

 

While I enjoy the fuel stops (adds a layer of complexity to race strategy, makes it more of a team sport) it would be a mistake to think that bringing it back would be a cure for what ails modern F1.

 

+1000

 

Its a business.

 

Gawd, I could not agree more.......