So team orders are now OK!! And other changes.

[Andy B]

After all the controversey over team orders they have cleared it all up and dumped the rule, historically there have always been team orders so once again it will all be transparent.
There are other changes including the new engine which has also been agreed.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/9275796.stm

[John S]

So it's a return to only penalising team orders if and when it suits the FIA to invoke the bringing the sport into disrepute rule.   

Just out of interest, does anyone know how a charge of bringing the sport into disrepute can be laid?

[Scott]

Just out of interest, does anyone know how a charge of bringing the sport into disrepute can be laid?

Anyway they like it - no judge would ever allow such a vague law to stay on the books in any country...only the FIA.

[Jericoke]

Rather than force teams to use 'green engines', just put a limit on how much gasoline a car can use for the weekend.  The efficient engines will follow very quickly... who knows, a V8 might be more efficient than a turbo 4...but let the engineers decide, not the FIA.

[lkjohnson1950]

Back in the 80's (I think) the WEC ran a fuel rule, as well as CART. We had the spectacle of 1 or 2 or even 3 cars running out of fuel on the last couple of laps. While it was mildly interesting to see whose computer got it right, it wasn't really racing when the cars could only run at 90 to 95% of their potential. Oddly, Road and Track predicted the ultimate solution would be a large displacement, low revving engine, running a low boost turbo. Mercedes took that approach with their Silver Arrows Sauber chassised cars and indeed won the WEC. Welcome to the F1 Mobil economy run.

Lonny

[John S]

Back in the previous turbo era in F1 we had the uncertainty of just who could manage their fuel well enough to finish the race, caused more by miscalculations over fuel flows whilst using the boost on the turbos. Whilst I'm not sure the teams will get into that situation again there have already been suggestions this year that feams are chancing their arms by under fuelling to try to get advantage earlier in the race, fuel equals weight after all.
Surely any engine builder who can acheive better economy without loss of speed is destined to come out on top, unless of course teams using rival engines can outfox them with race tactics. I think we shall have to wait and see if the new moveable rear wing and the return of KERS makes any difference with overtaking, without the ability to pass more easily track position will still be a dominant factor.
Love or loathe them the new engines will certainly bring a much bigger than usual uncertainty to the 2013 season.

   

 

     

[cosworth151]

Fixed races with chain saw engines. 

Looks like the end of any WRC hopes for Webber. I wonder what that Brazilian prosecutor will do if they try to fix the race at Interlagos.

I all but lost interest in F1 during the previous outbreak of turbo Tinkertoys.
Since the IRL won't have engines either, I guess I'll just watch USAC Silver Crown.

[Jericoke]

At least the FIA admits there's no point in having rules that can't really be enforced.

[Canada Darrell™]

Oh boy, 1-2 photo finishes when the opportunity to the teams arises with #2 driver slowing to let #1 Golden Boy pass in the final corner? Yeeehaw, that's racin' boy. Heheh, oh well, if it makes it easier for GG picks then there may be a silver lining eh? 

[Scott]

I hope Team Orders do not always end up with Team Obedience.

I liked the old rule simply because I think it made F1 more agreeable to the masses, but with mandated two car teams, it is a bit hard to enforce, even though a number of teams made fools of themselves by not even trying to be subtle. 

I still hope that some of the teams (for example Mclaren, as they always have) will continue to let the racers race.

[lkjohnson1950]

I must say I lost a lot of respect for Ferd at the German GP. If he's as good as he claims, he should have passed Felipe on his own. I doubt Massa will ever be the same. If it were me and the opportunity presented, I would nudge Ferd out into the boonies somewhere and say I thought he would respect me and give a team mate enough room.

Lonny

[judy]

I am not surprise at all with the decision to bring back team orders, with the ex-Ferrari president being the FIA president. I have expected absurd rules to be implemented to please some team bosses, the day the ex-Ferrari team boss was voted as the FIA president. Congratulations to the FIA president for bringing the F1 to move one decade backwards, to the bygone era, when the team bosses can manipulate the race results.