Formula 1
Watson suggests water
While some teams are still unhappy about the current new rules in Formula One, the suggestions are still coming in for yet more changes. Former F1 driver John Watson thinks an artificial sprinkler systems would spice up the interest, watering the ...
Published: Mar 17, 2003, 11:09 PM
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While some teams are still unhappy about the current new rules in Formula One, the suggestions are still coming in for yet more changes. Former F1 driver John Watson thinks an artificial sprinkler systems would spice up the interest, watering the track before the race and having the cars cope with uncertain conditions.
"I think all tracks should have sprinkler systems, which could be turned on before a race," Watson told the British press. "Just before the start they should be turned off to let the track dry out naturally. Drying tracks always provide entertaining Grands Prix and it will be compulsive viewing for the fans. Last week was a great example of exciting racing, but that was 95 per cent down to the weather."
Watson also described the single lap qualifying as 'dull as ditch water' and a poor exchange for the previous flat-out flying laps system. The teams and the FIA are set for another meeting after Brazil to discuss how the new regulations are panning out.
It's been reported in the British press that one-lap qualifying could be dropped as some drivers are less than convinced with a system that gives so little time on track. Bosses are reportedly looking at a different situation of 40 laps spread over four sessions on Friday and Saturday. Drivers could run 10 laps per session and times could be aggregated.
This possibility would give spectators more on-track action than the one-lap qualifying and teams more time to prepare the cars. Whether qualifying is altered or not, it seems likely that there will be yet more changes to come.
Bernie Ecclestone thinks if things are not working out, it's the right step to take to alter them: "We need to have a good look at what is going on," he commented, "and be man enough to say that some things are not right and should be changed."
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