The old and the new...what stays, what goes?

By Parminio
April 4 2003

The new rules have been both blasted, and praised by fans of Formula 1. Some of the new I like, some of it I don't. With the rumours of changes getting spread around, let's take a look at the issue.

Let’s talk about qualifying. Let’s talk about the old and the new.

There has been lots of criticism and praise on both sides for the new style of qualifying. Many want to return to the old way, many want to keep the new. I want a little bit of both. That’s right…we can have our cake and eat it too.

My number one complaint is the park ferme rule. This rule was implemented to prevent the big three (Ferrari, McLaren and Williams) from using qualifying chassis that most other teams couldn’t afford. In reality, I think that’s a good idea not because it cuts cost (which it doesn’t as the other teams didn’t do it anyway because they couldn’t afford it) but it does help to level the playing field a bit. We’ve seen that by the actual differences in the qualifying times. This year, the entire grid (with the exception of Minardi) are less than 2 seconds from pole. That’s the first time in years that it’s been that close…so you have to say that it’s a good thing.

The problem is the spectacle. The spectacle of the last second, balls to the wall, wing and a prayer, hold on for dear life, pray to EVERY God known to the civilized world, throw a brick on the gas pedal and hope for the best laps is gone. We all lived for that on Saturday. I for one, miss it. So what do we do? How can we assure a level playing field but at the same time give back the spectacle of the “miracle” lap?

Simple. Let’s go back to the old way…but keep some of the new. Let’s do qualifying on Friday and Saturday with the two times averaged. Personally, I like it…and we get to see two dogfights for pole…which I’m sure everyone likes the idea of that. BUT, let’s let them run for an hour on any fuel load they want. Let’s give the rookies a shot to set up the car. Face it, they need it more than the Schumi’s and DC’s and Rubens’ of the league. Let’s let them refuel the cars for the race on Sunday, but NOT change any parts on the car.

That is, they can adjust the spoilers, change the tires and tighten a spring…but no part can be replaced. Period. What this does is give us the best of both worlds. The car that qualifies IS the car that races. You get to see the best the cars and drivers can be TWICE…AND, the big boys can’t run reduced intakes, different chassis parts and the like than the other teams that can’t quite afford to do so. In short, it’s a type of park ferme, but without the fuel and tire rules.

I think that would work out great for all concerned. Have an opinion? Post it!