While I admire a lot what he’s done for the sport, I was wondering why Bernie Ecclestone seems to have such a grudge against Silverstone? He seems to have a dig at the place at every opportunity he gets.
While it’s no Bahrain or Shanghai (thank goodness), the place has improved out of all recognition since I first went there, back in the mid-1980s. Donington is a lovely and historic circuit, but the amount of work needed to bring it up to even Silverstone’s current standard, never mind surpassing it, makes me rather pessimistic for 2010…
Nicholas Hogg
It seems that for a long time the FIA rule makers have been going in the wrong direction. For example, instead of 2.4-litre V8s, why not leave it at 3-litre V10s and ban pneumatic valvetrains, which have no relevance to street cars? Lowering the rpm lowers the power, but the larger engine gives more torque (good out of corners).
It’s the same with refuelling (I completely agree with you). They say they want to improve passing, but then they do almost nothing. Like banning tyre warmers, that would have created more unpredictability and illustrated better driver car control; the FIA relented saying it wouldn’t help costs. What a joke – it’s not only about costs, it should be about better racing!
John Saviano
Have F1 drivers ever been completely ostracised by their contemporaries for something they have done on or off the track? I seem to recall Teo Fabi not being the most popular chap after the drivers strike in 1982. And then there are the better-known incidents such as Patrese at Monza in 1978.
Am I right in suggesting that this was a particularly disgraceful way to treat a driver, and a young one at that, in this manner?
Sam Smith
How do you feel Juan Pablo Montoya’s modern achievement of having won races in F1, Indy/Champ Cars, NASCAR and at the Daytona 24 Hrs compares with those of other all-rounders such as Mario Andretti and Dan Gurney?
Jon Curry, UK.
I’ve been a Williams fan since the demise of Team Lotus and wonder if Jenson Button had returned to the team, when Williams wanted him to, it would have been for the benefit of both parties?
I’ve just watched the Silverstone qualifying and, sad to say, remain unconvinced about Nico Rosberg although he clearly had car problems. Honda seem to be treading water despite promises about a bright future. What is your opinion?
David Stevenson