Get updates automaticallyThis is my exclusive Q&A area on the Motor Sport website where I can review and answer some of your questions and consider a few of the issues occupying the racing world. Feel free to ask away and I’ll do my best to answer as many as possible each month.
Best Regards
Nigel
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
My favourite driver is Kimi Räikkönen, and I often hear him compared to James Hunt in attitude. I know nothing of James Hunt as I was too young when he raced. Can you tell me a little about him and how/if he is similar to Kimi?
Michael Spitale, USA
I just read Mark Donohue’s wonderful autobiography and was wondering if you had any memories or thoughts about him. His modesty seems overwhelming in his book, and some perspective on his career accomplishments and legacy would be appreciated.
Ben Berentson, USA
In my opinion, Carlos Reutemann was one of the most naturally gifted drivers ever. What is your opinion of the great Argentine?
Pete Robertson
Do you agree that tyre changes and refuelling have no place in FI? So many drivers apparently wait for the ‘pitstop strategy pass’ rather than attempt it on the circuit.
If the rules were changed, the rule makers and car designers would be forced to develop cars that could overtake each other.
Tony Elgood
If you were stranded on a desert island, which three favourite motor racing books would you take with you, and why?
Martyn Hulland
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