Keeping to the Asphalt Without Curbs and Walls

Dave AdamsSep 11, 2008

Without entering into the current controversy regarding Lewis Hamilton cutting the chicane, I would like to initiate a discussion on the pros and cons of the track and car changes introduced over recent years and the effect they have had on Formula 1 which have basically led to the issue in the first place.

Kerbs and walls, except on street circuits, have largely been eliminated in the name of safety. Plus, measures to reduce car speed have been imposed on the cars themselves, in the form of smaller wings and narrower, grooved tyres.

It could be argued that aerodynamic grip has largely negated these measures—but that's another issue

Without claiming to be any kind of expert and only as an armchair spectator of many years, it is my opinion that the track safety issues have made possible and even caused issues such as Lewis Hamilton's chicane cutting incident.

We see cars often drifting away from the "proper" track line on to nicely prepared "concrete" grass painted green and also to the kerb jumping and straight lining of chicanes.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought chicanes and corners were there to slow drivers down?

While I understand that having drivers, bogged down in gravel, drop out of the race is not what most fans want to see, I think we have gone too far in forgiving drivers for simple mistakes, such as drifting off the "track".

In my view, the track is that black stuff called asphalt; if you can't get around the corner at the right speed to stay on the track, then the driver must slow down to an appropriate speed to do so. The same applies for straight lining chicanes and jumping corner kerbs.

What I am suggesting is that we need to bring in an "electronic" brick wall or kerb, one that will get the same attention as the physical barrier without the pain or damage!

This would have the dual effect of slowing cars down, which is what I understand to be a goal of the FIA, and would also help clarify electronically where the track begins and ends.

Of course, this idea is open to suggestions and comments on how best to achieve my desired goal. However, in this day and age of electronics, what is wrong with trackside and in car sensors teling stewards who cut what corner or kerb, and a penalty of one-half or one full second each time it happens?

Due to the traditional first lap scramble and melee, maybe it could be switched off for the first lap until it gets processional.

This is obviously highly contentious at this time of retro penalties, but I believe it could work; it would be known immediately and, as long as the driver took steps to correct his line and speed, then he would be unlikely to repeat his error numerous times.

Any deduction would be obvious at the end of the race and unlikely to change the end result, unless we had a nose to nose finish.

I can hear all the "Ahh but what if this and what if that?" but remember years ago, the track was the track and if you were off you were probably seriously injured or certainly out of the race.

Drivers did their utmost to stay on the "black stuff". Teams would not have to be building cars tough enough to bounce over kerbs - leave that to the rallying boys.