Niki Lauda says 'F1 needs more overtaking'

[DNQ]

The words of Niki Lauda:

“Formula 1 is going in the right direction and more and more people are watching,” he said. “But the FIA must make sure the races are interesting. If they are boring, then people will fall asleep and the interest will drop off again. Boring races would be a big problem for Formula 1. It needs more overtaking, because that’s what spectators want to see.”

Is he right? I certainly think he is. And I am sure everyone would agree with him, except for Max Mosely who in the past has given us exciting things like grooved tyres and narrow body cars.

Bernie and Max know how to improve the sport, but they will not listen to the fans. It seems safety and money are more important than exciting racing.

Opinions Please?

[gomick]

has it taken to january 2001 for niki lauda to realise this .....lets hope that bar and williams can catch ferrari and mclaren and at least que up behind them, otherwise it could be another nail biting season (not)

[EERO]

Welcome to the Forum, DNQ.
I certainly agree with Lauda's comments. Certainly Bernie has done alot to increase interest in the sport around the world, and that interest seems to still be growing. But I would contend that that interest cannot be sustained if the races become processional, offer no passing and the same limited cast of characters win all the races.

I will say though that without the money, the sport wouldn't be thriving, and without the improved safety, it would be a pretty grim spectacle.

[steve nielsen]

Do you know what driver had the most succesfull overtaking manouvres in 2000(65 to be exact)???:

:::




Jos Verstappen!!

[Bononi]

I guess Old Niki is a regular visitor of our forums... and he is only expressing our opinion to the media. The question is if that will make any difference.
I believe that Jos made all those overtaking, at least half of them in wet conditions. So, when the level of the cars get almost the same by race conditions, we can see who is the real drivers.

[Liz]

I say let Niki Lauda take Murray's job when he goes. Lauda always knows all the pitlane gossip and during the really boring racing he could fill us in on who is doing what with whom.

But if people who fall asleep don't turn off their televisions, it still counts as if they are watching, so what's the difference?

[Neil C]

Since Niki has resigned from his position at Lauda Air, your suggestion is quite appropriate, Liz.

[Liz]

I think he'd be a trenchant commentator. But he'd probably p*ss off the ITV blokes big time.

Sudden thought: Lauda and Jacques in the broadcast booth. Oh, is there a race? These guys are so funny!!!!!!!!