That's an off topic remark, bring it to the attention of the moderators if you want. However, since it was posted and not commented since by anyone from the mod squad, I feel a reply is due, and since I'm the one questioned, I'll be the one replying. If the mods here think the question and the reply are inappropriate, remove/replace/delete at will. As of now, I'll quickly state my case.
- Firstly, this is not about technical parts, it is about a "coup d'état" performed by the FIA, with technical parts as a blatant excuse, that could greatly impact the remainder of this season. In short, this thread is mainly about the FIA and whatever is behind this surprise decision, with its probable immediate impact on Mercedes current domination.
- Secondly, a matter of this relevance, regardless of being (or not) about mechanic or aero design and parts, deserves its own thread, and this for two reasons: a) there's a lengthy a detailed discussion to be had about it; b) this subforum gains in its clarity and "ease-of-use" by having the relevant topics covered in threads whose title is clear on what's being discussed inside.
- Thirdly, and closely related to the prior paragraph, I do hold an ancient grudge against "catch all" threads. The site's policy about them has been variable throughout the ages (
) and each moderator has probably his own ideas about them, as is to be expected. I strongly dislike threads like the "General Le Mans" or "General" wnything else. If Raikkonen would decide to end his career tomorrow (Lauda style), I would open a thread about it, I wouldn't post about such a big event in the "general 2014 driver change" thread.
Threads and thread titles are the front door to anyone arriving at a subforum, to check what's new. But that's just how I see it, and I'm in no way entitled to change gtplanet's way of organizing its forums - and the same applies to you, obviously - so let whoever is in charge merge threads, or divide them as they see fit.
Back on topic, I think it is baffling that the FIA thinks anyone will believe it took them a few years to realize the FRIC suspensions could provide an aero advantage for those using them. So this is a case where everyone (FIA and teams) know exactly WHY this is happening and everyone understands that the real reason isn't the one stated.
So, what is the real reason? The way I see it an attempt to close the gap between Mercedes and the other teams. Which begs the question: who is behind this? And I'll say Bernie Ecclestone or whoever is running the show.
And this is just wrong. I'm a guy that likes a good show, no problems with that. But a series that is supposedly about state of the art, cutting edge technology, cannot lose its soul because of the show. I understand if fans want to watch cars going at impossible speeds with their bumpers only a few milimeters apart. But that isn't F1. Each series has its own DNA and it must keep faithful to it or else fans will trade it for something else. And F1 isn't about sparks or engine loudness, nor is it about close racing from start to flag. It is about the best drivers in the entire world driving the most technologically advanced cars in the entire world, and do it all over the world too.
I understand technology being stopped for safety reasons. Or to make the drivers shine (the old debate on aero grip versus mechanical grip) But I don't understand technological advancements, clearly in a department that can translate to better road cars in the future (suspension), being stopped because ... the "show" is suffering.
I suppose the "show" was suffering too during the post war "Silver Arrows" dominance (usually associated to Neubauer, and the drivers Fangio and Moss). But I dare anyone to deny that was an iconic era, and one that didn't take anything away from Formula 1's heritage, history, and relevance.
