McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh criticises new track designs of Formula 1
Team McLaren’s boss Martin Whitmarsh recently criticised the new circuit’s designs in the sport and stated that the reason why the sport is becoming a bit ‘boring’ is that the drivers have been stripped off overtaking opportunities at the new tracks.
In 2010, races in Europe were more entertaining as there was more action in those races as compared to the Asian ones. The new Asian tracks are pretty good and illustrious to say the least, but tight turning and thin roads increase drag force and slipstreaming
is not easier in those tracks as a result of which gaining on a leading car is not easy.
“So when you start something new in the desert and with no apparent structural or financial limitations, it is a pity that we don't go the easy route and copy some of the greatest corners in the world,” said Martin.
At the grand finale of the 2010 Formula 1 season in Abu Dhabi, Fernando Alonso was unable to overtake Vitaly Petrov and it seemed that Alonso was going through a tough time closing in on his car.
However, it is believed that with the reintroduction of the Kinetic Energy Recovery System, adjustable rear wings and the degradation of the new Pirelli tyres, overtaking opportunities will increase in the 2011 Formula 1 season.
Other than Martin, Sir Jackie Stewart is also concerned about the new track designs.
“Think of the airport tracks like Cleveland with the wide corners and more than one possible line and you can see how easy it can be,” Whitmarsh told the media.
Nevertheless, he stated that it is not the organisers fault by any means as races like Abu Dhabi are very well organised but the race is just not entertaining about which the organisers cannot do anything.
“On the other hand, you could call it an opportunity missed if they have one of the longest straights in Formula One and a chicane at the end of it with only one possible line. Brazil is a good example. The facilities are not good but the races are fantastic,”
he acknowledged.
The 2011 season is going to be very entertaining as this is going to be the first time in the history of Formula 1 that five champions will line-up alongside each other on the Formula 1 grid.
As a result, the involvement of the fans is going to be at its peak at each race since drivers like Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton will race against each other to say the least.
Tags: