Spanish GP: Is it Boring Yet?
On an afternoon complicated by an early multiple car collision, the two Brawn drivers proved their team remains the outstanding force this season in the first European race of the year.
Brawn reigned supreme again as Jenson Button stretched his championship lead to 14 points after just five races and yet another 1-2 finish.
Which raises the all-to-inevitable question: Has the season become boring yet?
Not by me you understand, but the question or similar variations of it are starting to bubble to the surface already.
Like it or not controversies within the sport add interest in both viewership and in discussions around the Perrier Dispenser. (What! You don’t have a Perrier Dispenser, what are you proletarian, a…. [hesitation mandatory]… a NASCAR fan?! - ed)
The two most heard complaints that have surfaced at this point are the Brawn dominance - Gee where were you when the “Reds” and Mercs were at the pointy end of the stick for so long? - and racing being dictated by pit strategy and on track still being a procession with little passing.
To the former I point to the included image that was found on Sir Richard’s official blog. Get over yourselves the “Big Boy’s” have been converted to being puppies whimpering under the porch. Not to mention screwing up pitstops, fuel calculations, qual attempts and general all ’round suckage.
But I digress.
To the later complaint… well, that’s the way its been and will probably stay that way despite the worst efforts of Mad Max to level the playing field via financial restrictions and a “tiered rule structure.”
And on that note, didn’t the Spanish GP give a small indication of how a two-tiered starting grid might perform in the future?
Consider the persistent trouble’s some non-KERS competitors had passing a KERS equipped Ferrari Sunday. It amounted to a “rolling chicane” - in reverse.
Call me wacky if you must, but if that isn’t in microcosm what a future Mosley mandated grid will be like well… I’m just wacky.
And you’re not paying close attention.
UPDATE: Tim Gardner recalls a time when there was a two-tired system, it was the “grandees” - Ferrari, Renault and Alfa Romeo, against the garagistes” - Williams, Lotus and McLaren.
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While your two tier concern is spot on, equating the KERS device to that system may be inaccurate. The KERS is optional this year and will be mandatory next. No “his Kers kept me behind him” excuses in ‘10. At least last I looked at the proposed 2010 regs.
They’ve rescinded the most wins takes the driver’s championship, they might have slipped a “no KERS” revision by me as well.
Finally, regardless of the regulations there will always be front running and tail end teams. Everybody can’t be a contender no matter Max’s PR driven fantasies.
KERS being optional is exactly my point.
Sebastian had a hell of a time getting by Massa who had, and used that option. One “tier” had 80 more hp and the other “tier” car didn’t, same thing in my book
Has it become boring yet? Well no, although the Spanish race was not the most exciting event I have ever watched.
Brawn is not totally alone at the front, Red Bull is nipping at their heels. That is the second race where a KERS shod car has jumped Vettel at the start & held him up (but,that’s racing).
There is still pleny of action in the mid-field & the ban on refueling next year - along with compulsory KERS - should keep it exciting.
And you’re counting rules on fueling and KERS to be around that long?
Buwawawahahaha! Silly you.
KERS might get dropped for 2010 but considering the amount invested in it & that it is Max’s “eco” baby I’m willing to say it will stay.
Refueling will absolutely be out the door in 2010.Particually as they will be restricting the number of staff at races. Notwithstanding the huge cost of lugging the gear all over the world.No Marc, silly you.
Further I’m willing to make a small wager. $20 to the Guide Dogs of NSW if I’m wrong, or $20 from you to your chossen charity if I am correct.
KERS & no refueling in 2010 says peterg, twenty bucks?
Well, it it comes down to my wallet… no bet from me, I’m lucky to be able to “pay attention.”.
KERS is to Max as riding crops are to his ass.