Official F1/Motorsport thread

[Richard.John]

According to autosport, it seems that GP Fridays may change format to offer more of a spectacle for the fans. A winner take all cash shootout has been suggested. Not sure about others but in this day and age of economic meltdown isn't it a bit vulgar?

I mean we all know they earn mega money but having it shoved in our faces every other weekend is a bit much imo. $1,000,000 has been suggested for the winning driver so potentially 18x that is on the table for a season but the small teams have little chance so it would just fatten up the big boys wallets, me thinks. Hmmm.

[Shez]

I don't agree with that either - It makes F1 drivers look like they are interested in nothing but money, and no doubt we'd get the slowbies fueling for one race lap to try and grab pole.

If they did do this they would need to reverse the grids also.

[Duddyroar]

Seems to be a strong rumour that Coulthard will be a integral part of the BBC commentary team. Least they're going for the technical rather than celebrity angle (assuming it's true).

I think Coulthard and Brundle would make an excellent 'ex driver' commentary team TBH.

On a side note, Brundle's daughter works in my building - trufax.

[VR46]

I've always liked the American idea of a point for winning pole position - but of course all teams must have the same fuel level etc and I guess there is much more chance of different people getting it in Nascar and the like than in F1. Shot my own theory in the foot in ten seconds, go me

[Richard.John]

I think the Friday thing is just for Friday, not connected to the rest of the weekend. I have a simple idea, Bernie. If Fridays are problematic in terms of TV etc. SCRAP them altogether and make it Sat and Sun GP weekends only. Problem solved.

I am amazed the point for pole idea hasn't been introduced. Fastest lap too. In that case Kimi would be WDC every year.

[Roddie]

TBH, I think it's probably fine the way it is, there's no need to scrap it just because it isn't a big enough spectacle. The teams need it to prepare for the qualifying and the race and it means die-hard fans have the option of seeing the cars go round the track some more.

Don't think the point for pole position would work under the current qualifying system, which I really enjoy anyway and can't see it being changed any time soon.

[Paulos G]

I'd like to see a point for pole too. Just change the third session so that the drivers don't have to qualify with race loads of fuel. Point for fastest lap too.

[VR46]

Fact for the day, Ferrari failing to score a point last weekend was the first race they've not scored in for 48 races.

In an interview yesterday, DiMontezemelo expects a Ferrari one-two at the final three races this year no pressure there then lads. Be interesting if Hamilton needs to overtake Kimi at some point for sure.

[CMcK]

Getting rid of pit stops would make F1 better. Just stick enough fuel in and let them race.

[Richard.John]

Prior to '94 that was the way. Some claim it would be dangerous but the last on track inferno was '89 but we have seen numerous pitlane fires since the introduction of refuelling so it can't be on safety grounds that they introduced it. MS excelled at that in fact, races that were turned into short sprints due to fuel stops. His supreme fitness allowed him to be at 100% all of the time. It played a part in his incredibly successful career.

[Roddie]

Getting rid of pit stops would make F1 better. Just stick enough fuel in and let them race.

I used to think the same thing, and it's not great when you have boring race that is won by pit stops, but if you watch the likes of MotoGP, normally you'd be glad of some pit stops to mix things up a bit.

[Duddyroar]

Getting rid of pit stops would make F1 better. Just stick enough fuel in and let them race.

I wish it were like this again, TBH.

[Roddie]

I wish it were like this again, TBH.

But imagine the Singapore Grand Prix without pit stops; you might as well have awarded race points after qualifying.

[VR46]

Williams have retained their two drivers for 2009

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7647776.stm

[Roddie]

So who's already contracted for next year and which teams have got potential spaces? We know that Ferrari, McLaren and Williams are keeping the same line-up (and probably Toyota and Force India too?) and that Red Bull will have Webber and Vettel

Looks like Renault will keep Alonso but probably ditch Piquet, BMW will definitely keep Kubica but not so sure about Heidfeld, rumour has it he's talking to Honda, and you'd think if they only retain one driver that it would be Button (although this season he's only scored 3 points compared to Barrichello's 11...). Don't know if Toro Rosso will resign Bourdais for next year, though personally I'd like him to stay.

If and when Piquet goes, it'll be either Romain Grosjean or Lucas di Grassi taking his seat, looks like at least one of the seats at Toro Rosso will go to Sebastien Buemi or Sato (maybe both if Bourdais gets the boot). If Heidfeld stays at BMW, do you think Honda will keep both their drivers? They've seemed very reluctant to comment about either of them being there in 2009 but Brawn has been quite open about wanting Alonso.