Australian Formula One Grand Prix

[Dropout.]

Makes no sense. If that were the case they'd have told Kimi to scoot past the Midlands after, I think, the 532,006th pacecar.

As it were they didn't, and Fernando got out to an un-closeable lead.

 

[Lee]

I think the FIA should modify that rule a little, if it's a lapped car then they should be able to pass it before the line, but they still can't pass a car for position before the line. Quite obviously the race was ruined by the fact that Kimi couldn't pass the Midlands before the line. Niether of the driver's fault, just the rule held Kimi back enough to secure the win to Fernando.

 

[m7ammed]

I think the midlans allowed for Ralf to pass Nick Heidfield ,but I'm not sure

 

[Kylehnat]

I think F1 also needs a more formal re-start strategy. As it was, each time the safety car came in, Alonso floored it and essentially restarted the race wherever he felt like, whether it be coming out of the final chicane, or even as early as the corner before that. This caught everyone else flat-footed. A green flag at the flagstand seems to work just fine for controlling restarts in other racing series, so perhaps F1 should implement it. Or maybe the flagman only knows how to wave a checkered flag

 

[Dropout.]

The rules state in ANY series, so far as I'm aware, that the lead driver has control over the rest of the field after the safety car exits the scene, and I'll tell you now, I've seen a lot of series take advantage of that.

Should the rule be amended so that you can only stomp it at the start line? Nah. I like seeing the lead driver toy with the pack, even if it is Alonso (who I desperately DON'T want to win) toying with Kimi (who I desperately DO want to win).

 

[Blake]

Kimi took advatange of it at Spa in 2004, there’s no reason why Alonso shouldn’t do the same. I see no reason to change the rules.

 

[amp88]

I think F1 also needs a more formal re-start strategy. As it was, each time the safety car came in, Alonso floored it and essentially restarted the race wherever he felt like, whether it be coming out of the final chicane, or even as early as the corner before that. This caught everyone else flat-footed. A green flag at the flagstand seems to work just fine for controlling restarts in other racing series, so perhaps F1 should implement it. Or maybe the flagman only knows how to wave a checkered flag

They're racing drivers...they're supposed to be alert to what's happening. As soon as the safety car comes into the pits, the leader on track controls the pace and can go whenever he wants to. It's the responsibility of those behind to keep up, not of the person in front to slow down.

 

[Brett]

Well with the FIA always talking about making the racing more exciting, allowing the backmarkers to pass the safety and go to the rear of the pack would tighten the racers up and make for better racing; this is how it is done in a lot of series to make for more entertainment. Or it could be done as someone else suggested, let the higher positioned cars pass the backmarkers. Either way, it would be a step towards more exciting racing, which is what the FIA wants.

 

[Kylehnat]

Well, considering that the safety car only comes out a couple of times each year, "safety car reform" won't do a whole lot to change the amount of excitement in the series. And I think that the quote in Blake's signature pretty much sums it up.

 

[Omnis]

In other words, could Jenson just've stepped a little on the brakes, giving Alonso the penalty for passing him before the start?

 

[MustangSVT]

In other words, Button doesn't know how to floor it and toy with alonso a little?

 

[Lee]

In other words, could Jenson just've stepped a little on the brakes, giving Alonso the penalty for passing him before the start?

In theory yes, but I'd think the FIA would look at the Honda telemetry and perhaps give Button a penalty too for effectively cheating.

 

[Kylehnat]

Button seems to be awful at the beginnings of races. Whenever he qualifies well, he just kind of slowly slips backwards with no fight.

 

[MagpieRacer]

Thursday's testing times from Paul Ricard

1. DE LA ROSA McLaren 1m04.231s
2. DOORNBOS Red Bull 1m04.262s
3. KOVALAINEN Renault 1m04.272s
4. PAFFETT McLaren 1m04.279s
5. FISICHELLA Renault 1m04.380s
6. ZONTA Toyota 1m04.655s
7. LIUZZI Toro Rosso 1m04.914s
8. VILLENEUVE BMW 1m04.961s
9. KUBICA BMW 1m05.398s
10. PANIS Toyota 1m05.867s

 

[Lee]

Button seems to be awful at the beginnings of races. Whenever he qualifies well, he just kind of slowly slips backwards with no fight.

At the start I felt he defended from Alonso very well, perhaps he was lucky Fisichella had to start from the pits, but still, he held his position well.

As with the slowly slips back comment, look at Bahrain.

 

[lokness]

Actually, jenson was struggling through out the entire race, let alone fended off Alonso. At the press conference, he said he found it difficult to heat up the tyres and claimed he was losing somewhat 4 secs each lap...or was Kimi? or Rubens?

 

[Brett]

Alonso didn't have a problem with the tires when he flew right past Button. Let us also not forget, both Honda and Renault are on Michelin tires.

 

[liam2maps]

I think Rubens must have been pissed having Sato infront of him for a point there in the race.