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Jul 4, 2006 8:48:26 AM
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Dr. Phil
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Re: Indy F1 Race
Quote:
connoisseur said:
Maybe if more drivers would remember that you don't win the race at the first corner, the race wouldn't have been so boring.
Well, actually - that's not really true.
Take a look at Feminando Alputzo. He has never overtaken any other driver in any GP, and he is leading the championships.
Many tracks are so safe now, that it's also virtually impossible to overtake.
Most GPs are won from pole or the top three places on the grid - so it makes good sense to scuttle for first place in the first corner.
But you're right that the result of this often defies the whole purpose...
Jul 4, 2006 10:55:55 AM
- Jeff (in SF)
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Re: Indy F1 Race
in addition to some circuit designs that make passing difficult (Monaco, Montreal) the drivers complain that nowadays, following a car too closely disturbs the aerodynamics of the second car and makes the handling twitchy and nervous. That makes some sense but I also believe the teams' "race strategists" play a large role in calling the shots of when to pass, pit for fuel, etc. and they're not motivated to produce an exciting race - they just want to score points.
Jul 5, 2006 5:14:46 PM
- Hurst
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Re: Indy F1 Race
Quote:
Jeff (in SF) said:
in addition to some circuit designs that make passing difficult (Monaco, Montreal) the drivers complain that nowadays, following a car too closely disturbs the aerodynamics of the second car and makes the handling twitchy and nervous. That makes some sense but I also believe the teams' "race strategists" play a large role in calling the shots of when to pass, pit for fuel, etc. and they're not motivated to produce an exciting race - they just want to score points.
I think this really boils down the men from the rags.
The scenario you are talking to has to do with downforce. These F1 cars are aerodynamically designed to use air resistance to their advantages on the straights. This factors so much in their handling characteristics that tailing another car through the twisties so close that the aerodynamic levels change, leaves the car less able to corner effectively without a "proper" driver.
I think the best drivers in terms of overtaking are:
1. Kimi Raikkonen- he has exhibited an uncanny ability to pass through traffic and besides capitalizing on others mistakes, can make bold and difficult driver moves (e.g. Suzuka 2005 pass on Fisichella. Absolutely stunning!)
2. Schumi- We don't see Schumi passing people a lot because he has qualified so well historically with the F-cars, but look at Monaco this year! What a race by Schumi! When he's got something to prove, it's very difficult for him to be stopped. Nevertheless, his age and experience does not lead to a lot of bold passes; he'll prefer to use strategy to move up the ladder when need be (outlap strategies etc...)
3. Alonso- although this may be contrary to your popular conception, Alonso can dice through the pack very effectively. Although I don't think he is as methodical as Raikonnen, oftentimes when drivers see him behind their mirror (not very often, granted), they get a bit nervous. Look at the race in Australia where he gunned out of the caution flag and absolutely demolished Jenson Button on par to a great victory.
I think the most dangerous drivers in terms of overtaking are:
1. Taku Sato- although handicaped by an inferior Super Aguri car, last year Sato showed how brazen (and often foolish) he could be with a car that would "go." Sato exemplified his risktaking en route to an F3000 crown. Translating that into F1 has been more bumpy and has often led to a lot of first lap finishes
2. Felipe Massa- Massa, although seemingly controlled by his Ferrari headhogs, is characterized by taking outlandish passing techniques and gaining a reputation as a hothead on the track. I believe he made the most passes in 2005. Clearly hasn't done so in 2006, but he hasn't had to with the F car qualifying rather well. His problem this year is that he often finds himself right behind far superior drivers (Alonso, Schumi etc.), making passing quite difficult...
3. Jacques Villneuve- I've never liked Villneuve and some of the strategies that he emplores on the track are very dubious. Resting on the laurels of a 97 WC that fell onto his lap from the heavens, he is an average driver with a lot to prove (i.e. I think he thinks he deserves more respect on the track and sometimes he pushes too hard for it).
Re: Indy F1 Race
nota benna: another reason why a lot of passing doesn't occur is the pressure on the drivers. With the exception of the Golden boys of F1 (Schumi, Raikonnen, Alonso, Button and a few others) almost all the drivers are replaceable by manegment. A few 10million dollar wrecks/DNFs don't help your ability to stay in the sport either. 
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