F1 rainmaker
 

Now it seems Bernie Ecclestone would like to have artificial rain added to his super powers. He'd like to control it and make it rain (or not) at his races when he feels like it. He's got at least half of the worlds cash in his pocket why dosen't he step down and let somebody else have at it. Charlie Sheen has just become available. Couldn't be much worse.

I saw this and am dismayed. He is a complete kook and has reached new levels of insanity.

Actually, it's an interesting idea. Sure, it's artificially introduced via sprinkler systems, in a somewhat controlled manner, but the vast majority of nail-bitingly exciting races have been in the rain.

It does have some merit, and would at least be worth considering, in my opinion.

might as well have blizzards and hurricanes and tornados and volcanoes too. it'd make it exciting!

look at Death Race...

But don't you think they would "make it rain" to manipulate desired results. They are barkin' mad IMO. If they want to help F1 they should try to get back to at least europe (and try for US) get away from those uninteresting new tracks. Get at least two tire suppliers. I also would like refueling, although I know some are against it. Get someone in charge with some good ideas in stead of these brain farts of Bernie's.

Bernie thinks he's God.

No kidding. F1 2012, The Truman Show. Pretty soon he'll introduce full course cautions and mount bumpers on the cars.

Either slow down the cars a little, more down force?, or open the tracks up to give more room for passing.

Knowing Bernie, he'll make it rain in the stands too. Bring your umbrellas!

Probably be a good idea to have the turf disappear into a sink hole during NFL and MLB games as well.

Ferrari's ain't winning enough? Bring on the monsoon!! (Or shall we call it the Ecclesoon?)

(BTW I'm a Ferrari fan, but I'm not a pollyanna)

Don't forget, this is the same genius that suggested that there be a shortcut on the track that could be used.

JR

Actually, I like that. Each driver gets a chance to use the SC once a race except any car that has been in the lead since the start. You talk about strategy.

Wet skidpad?

It's all about improving the show while reining in costs, e.g. refueling, long-life drivetrains, 2-car teams, single tire supplier, tire limit, testing limits. Gone are BMW and Toyota. Even they couldn't afford it (easy to rationalize w/o wins).

I see a lot of negative comments. That's easy. Let's hear about the excellent ideas. Bernie might be listening. :rolleyes:

Shields up,
Sherwood

Here's an excellent idea: race the cars. Not only that, but take the outer aerodynamics off the cars and let the undertray do the work. They might not go 180 MPH thru some corners and the drivers might have to drive, not pilot.

More acceleration off corners, more braking = more passing.

You mean drivers will back off because they're going too fast on the straights? I think that's a little optimistic. That reminds me of the early death trap 917s.

If they could eliminate sand-bagging, I'd like to hear about the pros and cons of inverted starts.

Sherwood

No, they brake earlier and longer, as their corner speeds are lower and their braking is not as good. Then, they have to accelerate from lower speeds.

The 917 analogy makes no sense. They figured that problem out 40 years ago. It's hard to unlearn things.

You can't eliminate it, so why try. Also, why reward bad performance?

JR

I like the fact the tires may wear quicker and the difference between the two tires may be greater than in the past. As for the simulated rain, I say mop it up with that mop on Bernie's head.

There's no way this won't turn into F1's version of the invisible debris caution.

I have been suggesting that for years.

The only F1 races that don't suck, particularly at a Tilke track, are when it rains.