Could 2008 be the best ever F1 Championship?
Discussion
Putting aside the potential for politics to balls it up again, I think there's a very strong possibility that 2008 could be one of, possibly the most exciting and interesting F1 championship in the history of the universe.
As Lloyd Grossman used to say, let's look at the evidence...
With Alonso in the Renault, we'll have the chance to compare a Rookie and a (former) World Champion in the same machinery again. No matter what, having Hamilton and Alonso in the same car was brilliant, let's hope for similar fireworks next year.
With Heikki and Lewis in the McMercs, we'll have the opportunity to see how Heikki does against Lewis and, indirectly, glean something about how well Kovalienen might have done against Alonso in the Renault had Piquet not got his seat.
Then of course there is the chance for eight race win contenders. Both McLarens and Ferraris will almost certainly be up there, but if Alonso really does bring half a second to a car there's every chance both Renaults could be in the running too. I reckon there's a good chance that BMW could be contenders for race wins next year, and even if they're not in the championship, both drivers could be mixing it at the front regularly. There's even a chance that Honda could be going for wins in the later part of the season.
I suppose time will tell how much difference TC makes...
Thoughts?
As Lloyd Grossman used to say, let's look at the evidence...
With Alonso in the Renault, we'll have the chance to compare a Rookie and a (former) World Champion in the same machinery again. No matter what, having Hamilton and Alonso in the same car was brilliant, let's hope for similar fireworks next year.
With Heikki and Lewis in the McMercs, we'll have the opportunity to see how Heikki does against Lewis and, indirectly, glean something about how well Kovalienen might have done against Alonso in the Renault had Piquet not got his seat.
Then of course there is the chance for eight race win contenders. Both McLarens and Ferraris will almost certainly be up there, but if Alonso really does bring half a second to a car there's every chance both Renaults could be in the running too. I reckon there's a good chance that BMW could be contenders for race wins next year, and even if they're not in the championship, both drivers could be mixing it at the front regularly. There's even a chance that Honda could be going for wins in the later part of the season.
I suppose time will tell how much difference TC makes...
Thoughts?
Dont forget Honda and Red Bull have made fundamental changes, could see some suprises there, and then there is Williams, lets hope they can build on some of their good results last year.
I think the best way to view the races next year would be if the tv companies had split screens, one to follow the race at the front, and one to follow the mid field race, both of which i think will be excellant.
Unfortunately i can see Toyota at the back.
I think the best way to view the races next year would be if the tv companies had split screens, one to follow the race at the front, and one to follow the mid field race, both of which i think will be excellant.
Unfortunately i can see Toyota at the back.
It could be the best ever, but I very much doubt it. Whilst this year's championship was good in the respect that there was a close fight in both championships, especially because there was a British contender in each, the racing was, as in all recent years, generally quite poor.
Only two teams won all year, many of the races were processional, in most of the races only two drivers were competing for the win and often the winner romped away unchallenged. The removal of traction control will hopefully improve the spectacle, but other than that I don't see any suggestion that the fundamental problems of Grand Prix racing will be resolved next year.
Maybe I am being pessimistic, and in any case I will watch the racing and Formula One will continue to be the form of motorsport to which I pay the most attention.
As to what will happen, my suspicion is that Renault will be helped by the return of Alonso, McLaren will be hindered by their punishments, and they will take points from each other but both be unable to match Ferrari. I really hope that isn't what happens though.
Only two teams won all year, many of the races were processional, in most of the races only two drivers were competing for the win and often the winner romped away unchallenged. The removal of traction control will hopefully improve the spectacle, but other than that I don't see any suggestion that the fundamental problems of Grand Prix racing will be resolved next year.
Maybe I am being pessimistic, and in any case I will watch the racing and Formula One will continue to be the form of motorsport to which I pay the most attention.
As to what will happen, my suspicion is that Renault will be helped by the return of Alonso, McLaren will be hindered by their punishments, and they will take points from each other but both be unable to match Ferrari. I really hope that isn't what happens though.
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