Formula 1 - Non Racing French Grand Prix

[10ClarionSt]

I watched this yesterday and found it a complete waste of air time. We hardly saw the leaders as there was no contests for the top places, so the producers showed the middle order for most of the race, where there wasn't much else happening either, apart from the odd slight mis-judgement of somebody clipping the kerb. The presenters and commentators tried their hardest to "big it up", but to me, it was just The Emperors' New Clothes. We all know how how dire and boring it's become. And there was supposed to be improvements after BE sold the rights. But still the same old, same old. I've no doubt it will be massively advertised for the British Grand Prix boring-fest of more non-racing.

[Zacs-Master]

Erm. Ok.
Off to British GP. It’s really only 50% about the race itself.

[New Judge]

For the last ten or so years F1 has been very processional, with a real race (at least at the front) being a rarity. Races are usually won and lost either on Saturday or on Sunday via the pitstops.

The circuit Paul Ricard is a poor circuit for F1. Overtaking places are virtually non-existent and I don't know why they returned there. It is true that F1's new masters have pledged to spice things up a bit but the main problem is aerodynamics (the cars lose around 50% of their front downforce when following a car closely). Rule changes for 2020, but particularly for 2021 should alter that but of course such changes cannot be introduced without a long period of notice.

Meanwhile it's either watch Lewis get ever more tantalisingly close to Schumacher's 91 wins, take in a bit of F2, or (of course) the "off" switch! :-)

[ToraToraTora]

for once I agree 10CS, dull as ditchwater yesterday. I suspect LH is not finding it as dull mind! As and avid F1 fan this race was a disappointment, thankfully they are not all that bad, though I do think some major changes are needed to spice it up a bit. I've been an advocate of starting each race in reverse order of the drivers championship. So have qualifying as now for the first race, thereafter no qualifying. That means the leaders will have to fight their way through the pack, oh and obviously blue flags need to be abolished.

[Zacs-Master]

Unfortunately, Tora, the Quali sessions are now big money spinners both in terms of TV advertising for Sky / C4 but also in terms of making the GP circuits, and affiliated businesses, LOTS of money. So doing away with Quali after the 1st race ain’t gonna happen.

[ToraToraTora]

yes, I agree, dosh prevents it, I still think my suggestion would spice it up.

[Zacs-Master]

It would be very exciting but, as NJ has pointed out Paul Ricard has very little overtaking opps. As does Monaco. So I don’t think it would be fair.

[10ClarionSt]

Thanks for the replies. I guess it's a question of much the F1 masters want to change it. They must do something, surely, because right now it really is boring.

[Bazile]

Ah ,there you are
Why is this in CB ?

Anyway - don't blame the drivers , says Hamilton

https://racer-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/racer.com/2019/06/23/dont-blame-drivers-for-boring-races-hamilton/amp/?amp_js_v=a2&amp_gsa=1#referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fracer.com%2F2019%2F06%2F23%2Fdont-blame-drivers-for-boring-races-hamilton%2F

[sddsddean]

Go back to no electronics, manual gearbox and clutch, crossply tyres and see how the overpaid numptys cope then! It was good enough for Stirling Moss, Fangio et al!

[10ClarionSt]

Ah yes! In one race, Fangio was so far in front, that he stopped for a drink and a sandwich, got back in his car and still won easily. Can't remember which race so can't provide a link.

[Zacs-Master]

Why not go all the way and strap some horses to a cart (we’ll call it a chair o riot, or summing like that) and race round in a circle?

[10ClarionSt]

Sounds exciting! Is that your idea, Zacs, or have you seen it somewhere before?

[Zacs-Master]

All my own work. Now, where’s the keys to my time machine?

[EDDIE51]

Yes, I used to LOVE F1 ,but it is 'dull as ditchwater' now ! Can't be bothered to turn it on !

[ToraToraTora]

only 4 horse power though ZM:
https://www.snopes.com/tachyon/2016/12/ben-hur.jpg?resize=865,452

[EDDIE51]

Just a technical point ! F1 tyres are highly specialised but they are closer to old fashioned 'Cross Ply' than Radial ! Did you realise that each race team has its own tyres made to it own exact specifications and there are different tyres for each F1 Circuit all slightly different ? Silverstone Tyres are different from Goodwood tyres for example ?

[douglas9401]

The good wood tyres are reserved for the chariots.

[douglas9401]

Now then, the tyres supplied to each team are identical and not made to team specs.

[agchristie]

I'd rather listen to a bluebottle circling my head than watch a F1 race!!

[tonyav]

It's been like watching paint dry for years now.