BBC and Sky Partner for Live Formula 1 Rights

[Scubbie]

They have changed the picture from being solely on the driver to the whole team in F1 over the years.

Is this a good or a bad thing?

It could be viewed as a good thing as it shows that it isn't just down to the driver whether or not he wins a race. It could also be argued that even from the early days it should always have been regarded as a team effort.

F1 has also always introduced new technologies and new rules. The emphasis in recent years has been to allow the less well financed teams to compete better.

Would it be the same competition if all the smaller companies withdrew?

[reddwarfcrew]

Dont forget there is a Constructors Championship as well as the drivers so it makes sense that some of the rules mean that the performance depends on the team and not the driver.

[shake]

There have been a lot of worthwhile improvements to the cars especially regarding safety. Nobody wants a repeat of the Senna or Ratzenberger accidents but the rash of new regulations makes a farce of the sport where luck can pay a greater part than the driver or the car.

The German race was an example of cars virtually completing the race but being forced into the pits to comply with the (IMO) stupid regulation stipulating that both the option and prime tyres must be used (notwithstanding wet weather). A simple fumble by a wheel guy could cost a driver/team the race or in extreme circumstances the world championship.

Yes cars will be required to pit for various reasons but why force unnecessary stops on teams.

But why does a car have to be a 2.4 V8, why do they all have to weigh the same, why do they all have a rev limit of 18,000, why is the use of DRS restricted, why is there a thousand page specification sheet for constructors, and why do the stewards make such erratic decisions.

In tyre supply cost may be a factor but would not free choice and hence competition encourage better tyre design?

The idea of “Surely the aim is to build a car and employ a driver that can get round the track quicker than the rest” implies a team effort. The situation now is that the best car usually wins even if Mr Bean is driving. Normally good drivers cannot win races in average cars. I remain to be convinced that the crowd of Williams drivers who won world championships (80s/90s) were the best. I think Senna remembered the old saying if you can’t beat them then join them hence his unfortunate move to Williams.

Does anyone think Damon hill would have been world champion if not for Adrian Newey. Guess who has designed the Red Bulls?

Yes the smaller teams do add to the sport and give the younger drivers the opportunity to get a drive but already the bigger teams are helping. In today’s qualifying there were 6 Mercedes engines in the top ten cars.

This is not team work it is one man’s brilliance giving his cars the edge and I fear we will have to wait for Mr Newey to retire before the sport resumes anything like a level playing field.

[Scubbie]

Nice points shake, but at what point do you say "your engine is too big"?

Buses have 15ltr & 20ltr engines, so it wouldn't be too hard to increase an F1 car engine to 4ltrs or 5ltrs, for example.

Let us not forget that a 2ltr 1960 car engine is not as powerful as a 2ltr 2011 car engine.

It used to be that at every pit stop the fuel tank was filled as much as possible. With issues over fuel efficiency, they now not only limit the size of the fuel tank, but also how much fuel you can use over the whole weekend.

Perhaps in 30 years there will no longer be any fuel and instead it will all be electric.

[ianpdq]

I cant afford sky sports so whats the point of watching half the races BBC you suck after 25 years F1 goodbye it should stay free to air

[Scubbie]

Don't blame the BBC. It is down to Bernie Ecclestone to agree broadcasting rights for F1.

[mcphailan.]

Is it much of a prize for either channel? What are the viewing figures for F1? And I don't just mean switching on for the final lap.

[reddwarfcrew]

The beeb had a contract for another season but due to cuts chose to exit the contract early. Only one company to blame and that's the beeb.


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[Alan b]

I cant afford sky sports so whats the point of watching half the races BBC

You can see all the races on the BBC with the ones they are not showing live being shown later on in the day.

[Isitme]

BBC you suck after 25 years F1 goodbye

I think you are forgetting that BBC have only had the contract since 2009, previous to that it was held by ITV who withdrew as they found it was not financially viable. Apart from one race, the Brazillian GP when Hamilton won the World Championship, the viewing figures were very low. I think the ad infested screening was probably largely to blame. The figures probably increased when it returned to BBC.