F1 preview/Bahrain Grand Prix review
Yes I know, I should have done this last week, however I was busy. Basically without fannying about, Formula 1 in 2010 is this:
- No refuelling
- Dominance of aerodynamic grip over mechanical
- Proper qualifying returns
- Alonso in a Ferrari
- Jensen vs. Lewis
- Schumacher is back
What does this mean? It means that the fastest cars start at the front and the man that uses his head as well as his speed should win (Alonso). Unfortunately, because of the current rules, no car can follow each other properly. This leads to drivers dropping back and saving their tyres. Stalemate. As a result, Schumacher predictably complained about refuelling strategy now being sidelined (surely you can race properly, Michael? It's not all about pit-stops and sprints), as it always played a big part in his victories.
However, I am dead against refuelling being re-introduced. The FIA has to implement a set of rules that allow cars to follow each other closely. I also believe that a return to a manual gear change will open up more opportunities for passing. Computers don't fumble gear changes, humans do. Particularly at Monaco!
Damp squid in the desert
So it was a complete anti-climax. Vettel looked dominant until a problem with his exhaust slowed him, allowing Fernando Alonso's Ferrari to pounce on the German's Red Bull. That was it really. The race was just, dull, dull,dull. The strategy nerds are now calling for re-fuelling to be re-instated. Yet what people seem to forget is that Bahrain is always a naff race! The track is dire and the fiddly new section that was added for this years race did not exactly open up new overtaking opportunities.
I think we should all keep our heads and see how the season unfolds. You never know, you might enjoy it...
