Being a fairly recent F1 fan, I can't say that I know much about all the permutations and politics that have ever happened. I've been reading about past seasons, watching videos, trying to get better informed and so on, but the mountain of minutia and information out there is pretty daunting. That said (and thus trying to excuse the potential ignorance of anything I might say here) I wonder what the sport would be like if Jackie Stewart took Bernie's place? He's a legendary driver, former team owner, and vocal advocate for the sport. Just dreaming here....
It may be heresy to say so, but I think they need someone younger to take over...... I hear Danny Bahar is available.....:arf:
Yeah, I'd like to know what F1 would be like if Jackie Stewart had taken over 10 years ago. I understand he has a bit of a head for business so he might have done well. He is nearly 10 years younger than Bernie though so I'd still vote for that change right now. Someone younger? I think Paul Stoddart, the guy who used to run Minardi, would make a great choice.
Big fan of Mr Stewart and think he has single handedly saved more race car drivers lives than any other human being and at one time would have enthusiastically supported him as the chief of F1. That said, he is now much older, his ego much larger and the chances of that roll going to his head much greater. Jackie would now be a dictator, his way and only his way would be the rule of the day, very little if any consideration to any other ideas would be given....and who does that sound like? Another vote for a bit younger and fresher person.
Ya'll should read The Piranha Club. The Piranha Club: Power and Influence in Formula One: Timothy Collins: 9780753509654: Amazon.com: Books The Piranha Club is the first serious study of Formula One's most intriguing and influential figures – the men who wield the real power. It is an entertaining and incisive analysis of the Formula One paddock, explaining how it works, who runs it, how it makes money and what sort of people exist there. I'd be happy to send my copy to anyone that wants to read it.
Read the book within this past year, what goes on on the other side of the camera is enlightening to say the least. That book should be re- quired reading for anyone who has an interest in F1 either past or present.
Nathan I thank you for the recommendation and will accept your offer. Be glad to send it right back to you or on to the next person!!
Or, just send it along to me when you're done and I'll pass it back to Nathan.... speaking of book loans, Nathan do you know where my copy of Side Glances is these days? Don't need it back in any hurry, just want to be sure it doesn't get lost, that's all..
My favorite line: "Keep him under control? Not even in my dreams. ..... I want drivers, not robots." Lotus atmosphere helped Raikkonen shine, according to Gerard Lopez (AutoSport.com)
Just received the book from Nathan (thank you sir!) Minidave so pm me your address and I will send it along shortly!!
So the passive system is one that engages when the air-pressure reaches a critical point, then a wing flips open? It makes me wonder if there's a way to make the turbulence of one wing stall another at a certain airspeed... or is that what they're talking about?
I haven't seen a great explanation yet of the sort of system they're talking about here. No one who cares to speculate can actually see what's going on inside these things and no one who actually knows how they work will divulge their secret(s). It's apparently not about a wing flipping or otherwise opening though, I think that would make it illegal. Part of one pretty good attempt at explanation I found on the Interwebs: "There are two aero effects being used with this device, the method to ‘switch’ the blown effect on above certain speeds and the effect to stall the rear wing. The ‘Switch’ effect, as previously described is passive, with no moving parts or external interaction." Here's the full write-up: Lotus: DRS Device Analysis | ScarbsF1.com Here's another: SomersF1: Lotus E20 Passive F-Duct System (DDRS/Super DRS) – Part 2
Looks like we won't be cringing at the sound of the 2014 engines. AUTOSPORT's verdict on 2014 Formula 1 engines (AutoSport.com)