FIA restarts - A JOKE!

[Matt]

While watching some Porsche Supercup from the Hungaroring today, the way they had to start the race reminded me of something that occurs in F1 as well. That is, the absolutely HORRID restarts the drivers perform. I mean come on, a 10-15 car lead by the time they get to the s/f line? The FiA should take a leaf out of NASCAR's rulebook on this one, to have a designated restart line, something like 100m from the s/f line or so,and have the cars maintain a neat, tight order, until they reach that line. Also, the restart should be flagged by the flagperson(I have to be PC!), while the drivers wait for it.

I would like to hear others opinion on this, as I believe it can improve the restarts a bit, and make it not such a joke.

Thanks for your time,
Matt.

[Paddockman]

Agree!

[kipper]

I have to admit that I don't see the benefit of such an approach, for as I understand it drivers are not supposed to build up significant gaps behind the safety car (which the cars technically are until they pass the start/finish line even though the safety car may not be on track). In addition because the car in front will be able to start accelerating first they will be able to build a gap as the driver behind reacts.

As for having a flag displayed at the start/finish straight at the restart, then I would question what the point would be for drivers know that they can't start racing until they have passed the line and once the safety car has left the track, racing has to start so waving a flag would serve little purpose.

[Bononi]

Originally Posted by Matt

I would like to hear others opinion on this, as I believe it can improve the restarts a bit, and make it not such a joke.

Thanks for your time,
Matt.

How are we going to change it ?

[ss_collins]

yup can't fault that - I remember a few years ago one of the Mclarens (which was leading - was it Hakkinen?) couldn't get going at the restart and there was a bunch restart, looked great sounded great - and whisper it in F1 circles - it was rather exciting

[Rockmunky]

I think sometimes the gaps that the leader get is a bit silly, but it creates an element of uncertainty, by placing the leader completely responsible.

I see your point though, having them all bunched up is much more exciting.

[Matt]

Originally Posted by kipper

I have to admit that I don't see the benefit of such an approach, for as I understand it drivers are not supposed to build up significant gaps behind the safety car (which the cars technically are until they pass the start/finish line even though the safety car may not be on track). In addition because the car in front will be able to start accelerating first they will be able to build a gap as the driver behind reacts.

As for having a flag displayed at the start/finish straight at the restart, then I would question what the point would be for drivers know that they can't start racing until they have passed the line and once the safety car has left the track, racing has to start so waving a flag would serve little purpose.

Well,on the start of the Porsche Supercup race, they used the green flag to signal the start, so why not just use it for all? Lol.

Originally Posted by Bononi

How are we going to change it ?

We can't, unfortunately, but I was just wondering on peoples opinions.

[zac510]

I admire your ability to blame it on the FIA.

[Matt]

They are the ones who set the rules on the restart procedure.

[Jimmy Magnusson]

I always wonder what the drivers are up to? "Huh? Restart? Sorry, missed that one."

[FPV GTHO]

Seems too manufactured for my liking.

Just keep it as it is. The lead driver deserves the right to set the pace after having the safety car ruin whatever lead they may have.

[Snrub]

It's because they're not use to it. In Champ Car they do restarts all of the time and the vast majority of time it results in close racing and passing.

[StuiE]

I agree, I've never liked the restarts in F1 (or most european series really), way too strung out way too soon.

[cptkablamo]

This one is a struggle to pin on the FIA...this is up to the drivers to get right...they are meant to be the best but seem to never know quite what to do when a restart comes around...

I'm sure, in time they will improve

[Mr V]

Originally Posted by Rockmunky

I think sometimes the gaps that the leader get is a bit silly, but it creates an element of uncertainty, by placing the leader completely responsible.

I see your point though, having them all bunched up is much more exciting.

With regards to the re-start, the lead car "becomes" the safety car once the actual safety car turns it's lights out, so pulling back is fair, plus a lot safer than the possibility of piling into the safety car. Monza 2000 anyone? We saw the consequences of what can happen after Michael jammed on his brakes.

Imo, the current system is fair, it's down to the guy behind the leader to be on the ball.

Originally Posted by ss_collins

yup can't fault that - I remember a few years ago one of the Mclarens (which was leading - was it Hakkinen?) couldn't get going at the restart and there was a bunch restart, looked great sounded great - and whisper it in F1 circles - it was rather exciting

Australia 1999.

[safc_fan89]

I see no problem. Should driverds not be able to use their brains? It is simple logic that if they build up a lead before the s/f line, they will not lose a place.

[Knowlesy]

The drivers behind need to be awake for the restarts to be effective. So often you see the lead guy bite the bullet and get on with it, whilst the second placed guy is too busy dreaming. It only takes a split second and that's it, the leader is away and clear.

The only problem I ever had with restarts in F1 was when a lapped car would hold the field up whilst the leader got away. They didn't just go slow they practically stopped and gave the leader five seconds. This will no longer be a problem under the new rules.

As for the NASCAR, IRL, Champcar restarts etc... they are much better organised, but they are far better drilled in those series and are used to it. Hence Montoya's restarts under safety cars in F1 after his two years in Champcar for example.

[Smokey 6 litre]

i think its up to the drivers to keep tight to the car infront on restarts. Why should the driver infront no untilise an advantage he can get from the restart because the man beind is asleep.
Plus this advantage should be mainatined as the man in front probly lost a comfortable gap when the safety car came out anyway.

[f1manoz]

If the second placed driver isn't on the ball while the first placed driver has scooted off into the distance, then it's his own damn fault that he's so far behind.

As the leader of the race, he has the right to choose how fast he wants to go (within reason) and has the right to 'control' the pack.

[Andrew2001]

Yup completely agreed.

[zac510]

Originally Posted by f1manoz

If the second placed driver isn't on the ball while the first placed driver has scooted off into the distance, then it's his own damn fault that he's so far behind.

Fool! It's not his fault - it's the FIA's fault!

To the rest of ya, why don't you make all of F1 like American racing, then, err, you could just watch American racing instead!

[Hazza]

It's not just F1 who have crappy restarts.

Jeff Burton really has to do some practice.

[Woolley]

I really don't get the point of the no overtaking before the start line bit, though. I've always reckoned that once the lights go out on the pace car then the yellows should be withdrawn, then everybody races as soon as the green flag comes out. There's way too much poncing about at the moment and it gets in the way of the race. It's mad that if someone further down the field is awake and gets the drop on the car in front he is effectively penalized by having to wait for the start line. This is also where the problem arises by having lapped cars in the line. If it's green, overtake them and have done with it.

[Mr V]

Originally Posted by Woolley

I really don't get the point of the no overtaking before the start line bit, though. ....... It's mad that if someone further down the field is awake and gets the drop on the car in front he is effectively penalized by having to wait for the start line.

Trouble is, thats how accidents happen, the guy in front being asleep etc.

Imagine a safety car at Suzuka, the SC puts it's lights out, the leader of the pack bunch's them up then everyone goes for it into the final chicane, it would be carnage.

I think it's fair not racing till the start/finish line, as knowlesy pointed out, Montoya as an example wasn't hampered by the fact that he couldn't overtake till then. I'm also with knowlesy on the annoying fact of lapped cars in the pack, i haven't heard of the new ruling he mentioned (can anyone explain??) but from what he say's (not alot admittedly ) the new rule sounds fairer?? (unless your the leader that is by the sounds of it )

[Knowlesy]

Here is some background to that new ruling I was on about.