GrandPrix247 wants to know what you think of the new (yet to be approved) qualifying format...sort of. It's really just a simple, single question poll "IS THE NEW QUALIFYING FORMAT GOOD FOR F1?" with YES and NO answer options but it only takes a few seconds. Poll: Is the new qualifying format good for F1? | GRAND PRIX 247
There's a similar one at F1Fanatic, but you have to have an account. So far it seems that both sites agree that it's not a great idea.
I don't think it's that bad, with the exception of the final 2 cars out there. Should be 4 or 5. If Bernie calls I'll tell him.
I kind of like the new proposed quali process. I would like to see something that potentially forces them to be on the track more during quali (i hate the mid-session lull as they all go sit back in their garage). I think this format would potentially increase the lap times for the sessions because you would be reducing the number of cars on the track through out a session, which could eliminate the faster drivers being held up by slow traffic.
The question is too simplistic. For example, the new format might not be inherently good or bad yet could still be unnecessary or make no discernible difference. Reword the question to something like "Should the format be changed?" or "Will the new format be an improvement?" The most consistent complaints I've seen revolve around the tire supply limitations. If they don't change that, the format is most likely to just reverse the teams' approach to run timing and each quali session will look more like it does when there's rain or rain is threatening. Instead of holding back, you'll need to bank a good lap, then, depending on how good/secure that time is, you might park and wait. Faster drivers/cars will know they only need to do just so much early on and then they can wait and watch. Those slower will need to show their hands earlier in the session. The only time there will be front runners on the track near the end of a session will be Q3 when they're actually fighting peers for the top time and it's possible the ends of Q2 and Q3 will be quiet and boring.
The second pre-season test starts tomorrow. They decided to run only 2 this year so it will also be the last pre-season test; #2 of 2. Thus the even greater necessity this year to run as many laps as possible per day. They then have only 2 weeks to put things right before the season opener in Australia.
McHonda recovered well from the 3 untimed laps they managed on the final day last week. Haas had a fuel system failure of some sort today that ended their day early. Sauber managed an impressive 103 laps on the debut run of their 2016 car. Merc finally went to the soft tire and Rosberg clocked a faster time than all runners last week other then Vettel on the ultra-soft.
Re: Sensors - That's quite a few. I'd be interested in looking over an engineer's shoulder as the data came in. And of course having him explain it to me after. Re: Timing - That's something of a relief. I don't think I could bear McLaren running at the back for another season.
The temptation to stand in pit lane and throw potatoes at it must be overwhelming - though I guess it would make rather chunky fries.
Oh boy the Veg-o-Matic.... [ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnqtGjHJjs8"]Steve Goodman -- Vegematic [Live] - YouTube[/ame]
True, but thanks to changes on the Red Bull livery it should be easier this year to instantly ID them when they're moving fast.
Not good news today for hopeful Haas fans. McLaren continue to do well, though. FWIW, Bottas and Magnussen set their fastest times on the ultra soft tire. Also note Merc are using both drivers each day this week.
This is good. Haas brought back to earth about the realities of F1, that is. It was bound to happen eventually and good that it's happening now in a lurch during preseason testing rather than creeping up on them and gradually frustrating the entire team during the season...plenty of time for that to happen anyway, I suppose. I'm starting to think any new team should be allowed an extra week of testing, prior to the combined tests, during their first year. F1: Tech complexity 'a little bit overwhelming,' Haas admits (racer.com)