Monday 3rd March 2014

Motorsport On Monday: 3/3/2014

It's the pits for Red Bull - literally and metaphorically

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Motorsport on Monday isn't solely about Formula 1 (we promise), but with the final F1 pre-season test culminating in Bahrain last Sunday just a week after we'd learnt so much about this year's runners and riders , it'd be rude not to focus on the state of play heading into the first race Down Under later this month - especially since this is the biggest step in world motorsport for donkey's.

Horner, Newey and Markko 'enjoy' a little chat

It wasn't looking good for Renault and Red Bull seven days ago - if anything it's looking worse for them now. On the penultimate day of testing before the season kicks off in Melbourne, four-time reigning F1 champ Sebastian Vettel failed to put in one solitary lap.

In fact, it took his Red Bull mechanics a total of two and a half hours just to get the car fired up and rolling down the pit lane, due to a battery problem. Four corners later he was back in the pits with technical issues before being sent back out again. At which point it promptly broke down before Seb could so much as release the pit lane limiter. The final day was better but not best, with Vettel eventually setting a time good enough for ninth.

All of this playing out in front of the world's media, F1 fans and even casual observers has formulated a few gripping points. Some people have been questioning whether pre-season testing should be private? From an enthusiast's point of view - no. The first Jerez session was pretty boring as teams worked through initial checks, but it's proved fascinating in Bahrain so far as constructors developing cars and getting on the pace. Or not, as the case may be.

The lesser spotted world champ on track

The very public humiliation of Renault and Red Bull will doubtless spur them on to get to the bottom of their issues and realise the potential of what, chassis-wise, could be a championship contender in the RB10 (just look at its heritage). But for now, for a neutral, we really do have what is potentially the most exciting season of Formula 1 for years in front of us. When was the last time you saw an F1 car detonate its motor? Exactly.

The spec of the 2.4 rev monsters was frozen back in 2007 for each manufacturer, with a re-equalisation process following later to help reliability and power. With development of the powerplants effectively halted, it meant no crazy qualifying motors or suck-it-and-see modifications, and therefore (for motorsport) bulletproof reliability.

Interestingly, on February 28, the homologation deadline for each manufacturer's 2014 engine passed. There is a clause in the rules that allows special dispensation for mods owing to cost, safety and reliability reasons, but effectively what's just happened is Renault's forced itself to use what appears to be a problematic unit. Mercedes and Ferrari must have been laughing into their lunch in Bahrain.

Massa, meanwhile, seems to be enjoying life

From small cracks appear great fissures, too. The signs are there. Even Vettel has criticised the car, being quoted as saying the RB10 wouldn't be quick enough even if it could string some laps together, and that he's surprised the team is still struggling. It wouldn't be the first time the German's toys have been ejected from his energy drink-sponsored pram. We wonder if a Mr M Webber has been tempted to text his former teammate with messages of support? Doubt it.

Motorsport is an unpredictable business. We can't say with any certainty that Red Bull won't win this year's title, but while that team's fortune is on the wane here and now, F1 stalwart and former front-runner Williams is enjoying a resurgence after some woeful seasons of late.

Massa clocked a 1 min 33.258 on Saturday - the fastest time over all three tests. Teams don't disclose the dark art of fuel loads, but we can assume the Brazilian was running relatively light. All the same, in his box-fresh Mercedes-powered Williams (good move to switch from Renault, it seems), that would have put him in ninth spot on the grid last year - and that's against cars with chassis, aerodynamic packages and powertrains that have had close to seven year's worth of development pumped into them.

Old fox Williams may have played a blinder

To anybody that doubted the rule changes for 2014, said they wouldn't work and it'd be a slow, boring season - we've not even had a race yet and it's already been one of the most exciting, intriguing and unpredictable periods of Formula 1 in a long time.

A few engines lunching themselves ought to spice things up a bit and keep the title race close - exactly what we want. Now if they could just do something about those noses...

Images: LAT Photo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ukmike2000]

I can't agree that a number of cars having engine failures is in any way "exciting" no matter how wide open it throws the overall Championship.
If all the Renault-engined cars turn out to be dogs, all it does is reduce the number of potential winning cars and condemn them to the "also-rans" at the back of the grid.
Yes you will probably get different winners and champions in 2014, but on present showing, F1 should be embarrassed that all the rule changes merely seem to be creating a shambles in what should be the pinnacle of motorsport.

Any bets on the number of cars to drop out on the parade lap in Australia?

[Blackpuddin]

Really hope Williams can do something special this year.

[toppstuff]

I must say that I am also hopeful for a much-welcome increase in form from Williams this year. They have some clever and experienced hybrid guys, so maybe the rules changes are playing to their strengths.

One other thing - without making too much of a fuss, is it just me or is this article terribly written? I know the writing style is full of colloquialisms, but really, to this reader at least, the writing is awful.

I like to think that people who write for a living are good at it. I like to read work from people who write better than wot I can.

Anyway, as you were..

[VladD]

The writing seemed fine to me.

[r11co]

ukmike2000 said:

I can't agree that a number of cars having engine failures is in any way "exciting" no matter how wide open it throws the overall Championship.
If all the Renault-engined cars turn out to be dogs, all it does is reduce the number of potential winning cars and condemn them to the "also-rans" at the back of the grid.
Yes you will probably get different winners and champions in 2014, but on present showing, F1 should be embarrassed that all the rule changes merely seem to be creating a shambles in what should be the pinnacle of motorsport.

Correction - created a shambles for certain teams using a particular powertrain combination, one of which happens to be the reigning champions.

The one reply that always cam back to statements that Red Bull were running away with things and making the sport boring was that 'the rules are the same for everyone, and Red Bull are doing the best job'.

The boot is clearly now on the other foot.

[bigbadbikercats]

ukmike2000 said:

I can't agree that a number of cars having engine failures is in any way "exciting" no matter how wide open it throws the overall Championship.

That depends when and how the engine failures happen. If cars with front running pace are subject to unpredictable engine failures or require careful tactical handling to prevent engine failures then apparently done-and-dusted races could be turned upside down at a moments notice, and that definitely adds (the right kind of) excitement.

ukmike2000 said:

F1 should be embarrassed that all the rule changes merely seem to be creating a shambles in what should be the pinnacle of motorsport.

One (admittedly previously dominant) engine manufacturer has major issues and that's a shambles created by the governing body?

[sideways man]

Go Williams! Any team that,in the most important pre-seaon test for years,spends a morning doing practice pit stops,must be very confident.
Massa for the championship, anyone?

I just hope they can keep up with the seasons development race.

[Blackpuddin]

VladD said:

The writing seemed fine to me.

[My Evil Twin]

r11co said:

Correction - created a shambles for certain teams using a particular powertrain combination, one of which happens to be the reigning champions.

The one reply that always cam back to statements that Red Bull were running away with things and making the sport boring was that 'the rules are the same for everyone, and Red Bull are doing the best job'.

The boot is clearly now on the other foot.

have a +1 on me

[KernowSid]

I am really looking forward to this season because of the uncertainty and engine reliability - not knowing if all cars will finish is refreshing.

And yes, after the last four years being the monotonous domination of Red Bull and Vettel, I am gleefully smiling at their troubles. I know F1 is about the best team, with the best drivers, with the best strategy deserving to win, and Red Bull have had this, but the monotony has ruined my favourite sport.

If these changes mean that 2014 is a competition between Lewis and Jenson, with both Mercedes and McLaren looking strong, plus the re-emergence of Williams I am excited again.

I enjoyed the end of Schumachers dominance, I hope I am about to enjoy the end of Vettel's.

[wotnot]

Here's hoping that Caterham, seemingly the most reliable of the Renault engined cars, can score a few points before the other similarly engined teams get their acts together and the Ferrari engined teams figure out how to conserve fuel...

[TWPC]

I agree that substantial, regular engine-related failure (or that of any single component - remember that US GP when six cars competed because Michelin's tyres all broke) does not add to excitement: I remember being frustrated by F1 in the 1980s when half the field would regularly fail to finish.

On the other hand, an element of risk in the fine tuning of the engine is quite exciting and like some other casual observers I find domination by one package/team boring. God, I was bored by the 1988 season and McLaren's 15/16 wins which many now seem to view through rose tinted specs.

From a sentimental point of view I am so happy to see Williams doing well again. It's reassuring to see former greats return and I always want to see the underdog win. An exciting season seems to come with multiple race winners, and the more competitive underdogs there are, the more likely the season will be exciting.

Hope that makes some sense.

[SteveSteveson]

ukmike2000 said:

Yes you will probably get different winners and champions in 2014, but on present showing, F1 should be embarrassed that all the rule changes merely seem to be creating a shambles in what should be the pinnacle of motorsport.

Because the cutting edge of motor sport has finally go back to cutting edge unproven technology that is pushed to its limits and doesn't work reliably? Seems more like the pinnacle motor sport to me than the technology being several years old, well understood and reliable.

[Esseesse]

TWPC said:

From a sentimental point of view I am so happy to see Williams doing well again. It's reassuring to see former greats return and I always want to see the underdog win.

Agree with this. For me last year Grosjean being chased down by Webber was perhaps the most memorable. Where was that?

Edit: Think maybe Japan...

Edited by Esseesse on Monday 3rd March 14:58

[AdeV]

TWPC said:

I remember being frustrated by F1 in the 1980s when half the field would regularly fail to finish.

The difference between then and now, I feel, is that back in the 1980s, the technology was struggling to reach the rules, so teams were running right at the ragged edge of what's possible.

These days, the rules are pulling the technology back, so any unreliability is down to teams over-cutting corners trying to find a gap in the rules to let the technology shine.

[NRS]

AdeV said:

TWPC said:

I remember being frustrated by F1 in the 1980s when half the field would regularly fail to finish.

The difference between then and now, I feel, is that back in the 1980s, the technology was struggling to reach the rules, so teams were running right at the ragged edge of what's possible.

These days, the rules are pulling the technology back, so any unreliability is down to teams over-cutting corners trying to find a gap in the rules to let the technology shine.

Not really - the technology is struggling to reach the rules on the new drivetrain systems/ perhaps fuel saving. It's just a different type of technology (well, not completely as you do have the turbos and some issues with them again now).

I agree it is exciting, and good to see some DNFs to spice things up in regards to never knowing how a race will finish until the finishing line has been crossed. However it will be a bit rubbish if it means all the back runners end up being lapped 10 times because they cannot push the drivetrains. But even if it's a bit more of a problem this year in the future it should hopefully balance out a bit more in regards to performance between teams.

[Planter]

From what has been a very dominant winning streak from Red Bull could now open the floodgates to other teams. Its nice to see others back in what is a seemingly competitive position. And hopefully opens the championship right up.

Its a level playing field since the new rules and regs were released and the strong will prevail.

[tylerama]

I reckon Seb my finally get the chance to prove his doubters right or wrong this year. It's shaping up to be a very interesting season, glad I took the plunge and bought those Melbourne tickets, can't wait for first practice ! I'm itching to get on that Brisbane bound plane on friday morning

[jtopps]

I can't wait I like the growl as opposed to the howl of these new engines. It's shaken up the order quite nicely and whilst the teams get to grips with new technology there's going to be some pretty varied race results. On top of that the new engine technology is way more relevant to road cars and isn't that the whole point? Racing should be beneficial to a car manufacturer so that there is some kind of return on the massive investment they make as well as the tech trickling slowly down into road cars to make them better for us, the consumer.

[ZX10Ben]

SteveSteveson said:

ukmike2000 said:

Yes you will probably get different winners and champions in 2014, but on present showing, F1 should be embarrassed that all the rule changes merely seem to be creating a shambles in what should be the pinnacle of motorsport.

Because the cutting edge of motor sport has finally go back to cutting edge unproven technology that is pushed to its limits and doesn't work reliably? Seems more like the pinnacle motor sport to me than the technology being several years old, well understood and reliable.

+1

ukmike2000 said:

F1 should be embarrassed that all the rule changes merely seem to be creating a shambles in what should be the pinnacle of motorsport.

Personally I don't think any teams should be or are embarrassed about their current situation. It's a new era of unproven, untested, cutting edge technology that has never been used together before and is comprehensively different from the out of date engines of previous seasons. For some of the non factory teams, these tests are the first time the entire package has been fitted together, let alone started, pushed to (and past) the limit. Then factor in new tyres, aero tests, more power, less grip, various performance tests, car set ups, brake by wire, reliability, packaging, cooling, how everything works (or doesn't) together and with just 3 extremely limited and very close together tests and very limited time to actually find and fix any issues and no wonder the teams are having teething issues, all in full view of the worlds motorsport media.

If anything, all these teams (especially the world champions) are showing just how difficult it can be, rather than following the same boring formula every year.