21 races sure seems like a lot to me. I know it's only one more than the 20 on the original schedule but don't forget this year it was 19. Nineteen races in one year is a lot given they aren't all run on the same continent. We've seen what a season like that costs, and every additional race in another country means more logistical costs (and more parts, more fuel, more everything). Between the cost and the impact on the harder working personnel, I'm surprised someone isn't raising holy hell about the straw that broke the camel's back. Plus, given the now known impact of power unit replacement penalties near the end of the 19-race 2014 season, 1 additional race ought to cause them to consider bumping up the limits a bit...I think 2 additional races makes this a no-brainer.
The penalties for power unit infringements have been tweaked as well. Instead of starting from the pit lane, they'll just have a grid penalty. If the grid penalty cannot be served, they get five or ten seconds tacked on to their time, or a stop go, depending on how far back they qualify and how much of the grid penalty they can or cannot serve. I like the idea of having a few seconds tacked on, it keeps people in the race, and above all does not have to ruin a driver's day. Much better than forcing a pit-lane start.
Very true, money grubbing sack. But teams are still likely to be pissed and complain (justifiably, IMO) at another escalation of costs to them while they're already in the midst of a cost "crisis." I agree, though, that Korea is probably not going to happen. Either that or Bernie put it on there so he has room to drop another venue without it cutting into his 20-race take. Option C is it's a bargaining chip: The teams complain so he drops a race from the 21-race schedule and gets the 20-race season he wants while appearing to compromise.
I thought it was ridiculous when I read McLaren's driver decision was going to be made in the board room. Today they met and decided to not decide, yet. So, further delay means neither of their current drivers can make plans for next season and I'm sure it's getting to be too late for some options. I imagine there are plenty of other issues left hanging as well, not least of which is any prep work by or with Alonso (that is, assuming he's actually joining). Seems crazy to me.
Aw man, I hope Big Mac doesn't start with the silly shenanigans. I've had a hard enough time watching them these last two seasons to start worrying about their financial health and leadership wrangling. Just give Jenson his Drive, consargnit!
There are so many good jokes for decisions taken by committees and we all know good humor is well rooted in reality. I imagine there are plenty of big F1 decisions make by committees, though, good or bad, including driver choices. But at board room level? A company board choosing a racing driver? Reminds me of Bernie and an investment company board making decisions about a racing series..... Sounds nutz to me even when the company is McLaren. Meh, maybe this sort of thing is normal and we just don't usually hear about it. It's McLaren's right to do whatever they think will work, however odd it seems. What bothers me is there are two good drivers who already know one of them is going to be replaced and it seems cruel to keep them hanging because of politics and board level infighting.
There was a suspicious character seen on the CCTV records in previous days. He was wearing a helmet that seemed to change with every shot....