F1 Considers Permanent Driver Numbers.

[vintly]

Having drivers effectively pull numbers out of a hat as an alternative serves only to make the sport look ridiculous in my opinion.

Does MotoGP look ridiculous? The numbers associated with the drivers become part of their identity, part of their unique livery, part of them. It's worked for decades and no one has a problem with it - far from it. The numbers are championed by the fans and pundits alike, and serve to bolster and reinforce the individual persona of a competitor in a sport where helmets make everyone have the same damn look on their face. It helps!

Anyway, it's a GOOD THING that we have different opinions, but I'm not going to argue the point further. But, I'm so confident that I will offer a bet to all you naysayer number-dodging scaredey-cats. Ģ1 says individual numbers WILL come in. If you bet against me and win, I will pay you Ģ2. If you lose you pay me only Ģ1. WOW man this is big money how can you refuse I know I know start measuring up for a new pool in the yard.

* One bet per person, maximum number of bets at my discretion.
** Subject to Wizzo's approval.
*** Don't try this at home, do have a large cocktail.

[Wizzo]

mmmmm sounds like Vintly is up for a bit of fun.

V can you please start a new thread in the 'members' area to discuss this further. Obviously this between yourself and anyone who chooses to partake in this friendly challenge.

Wiz

[John S]

Does MotoGP look ridiculous? The numbers associated with the drivers become part of their identity, part of their unique livery, part of them. It's worked for decades and no one has a problem with it - far from it. The numbers are championed by the fans and pundits alike, and serve to bolster and reinforce the individual persona of a competitor in a sport where helmets make everyone have the same damn look on their face. It helps!

Each to his own.  MotoGP is quite different in a lot of respects other than just less wheels, there are no team orders for a start and there are clearly two classes in the field. There is also less money about in motorcycle racing than cars so each rider needs to monetise his own identity, this is much easier with permanent numbers and their lords & masters realise this.

In F1 there is much more tension about the earnings from a driver's image and activities, didn't Lewis refer to this as a reason to move to Merc. Most of F1 merchandising is team based, albeit with named drivers kit part of the equation, can't see driver owned permanent numbers sitting comfortably with team merchandising departments or their lawyers.

 

[vintly]

mmmmm sounds like Vintly is up for a bit of fun.

V can you please start a new thread in the 'members' area to discuss this further. Obviously this between yourself and anyone who chooses to partake in this friendly challenge.

Wiz

Will do Wizzo 

[Scott]

If that's true John, as usual, F1 can only see one side of the marketing possibilities.  From their pricing strategies - a famous salesman once said "Volume, Volume, Volume", but F1 can only see maximum profit for each sale.  Drop the pricing and give the team sponsors much wider exposure by getting more merchandise worn by fans.

Broadcast strategies - build an internet backbone by creating high quality internet streaming at a reasonable price, while denying those rights to the TV broadcasters in their TV negotiations...TV is sadly dying, at least how we get TV, so prepare for what comes next, which is going to be a form of PPV internet broadcasting.  F1 has their broadcast rights tied up so tightly by TV, that they are going to miss the boat when it all changes, and the big winners are going to be the broadcasters.

[Irisado]

Actually, I think that Moto GP does look ridiculous with the numbering system that it uses.  Why should drivers always have the same number?  To me, it's illogical.  Numbers should be determined by championship position, not because a driver chooses it.

I disagree with all the arguments put forward about the current system being illogical.  It's very clear to explain once you remember that F1 is a team sport.  The system works very well when you bear that in mind.  The teams are allocated the numbers not the drivers, so the numbers belong to the cars.  The only exception to this is the number 1.

As for the idea that it's solely down to tradition that this format is being stuck to, that's not the case.  This numbering system has, as I said, only be in place since 1996.  That doesn't make it a traditional system.  Indeed, the traditional system was completely different, with most teams retaining the same numbers on their cars for year after year.

[cosworth151]

Here's absolute proof that it's a very bad idea - Jean Todt likes it!

"I am very supportive of that," Jean Todt, the continuing FIA president, is quoted by France's L'Equipe. "I think it would be nice if the drivers keep the same race number, with the exception of the world champion who always displays the No. 1. When I watch a Grand Prix now, I cannot see the name or the number of the driver.

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20131209/f1/131209860#ixzz2n0tFppyn

[John S]

with the exception of the world champion who always displays the No. 1. When I watch a Grand Prix now, I cannot see the name or the number of the driver.

Why oh why do you let them keep changing their helmets then Mr President?   

Much easier to recognise them from their skidlids, as long as they remain constant of course. 

 

[Jericoke]

with the exception of the world champion who always displays the No. 1. When I watch a Grand Prix now, I cannot see the name or the number of the driver.

Why oh why do you let them keep changing their helmets then Mr President?   

Much easier to recognise them from their skidlids, as long as they remain constant of course. 

 

Are you suggesting they should be issued a helmet colour that cannot change throughout their career?

[John S]

with the exception of the world champion who always displays the No. 1. When I watch a Grand Prix now, I cannot see the name or the number of the driver.

Why oh why do you let them keep changing their helmets then Mr President?   

Much easier to recognise them from their skidlids, as long as they remain constant of course. 

 

Are you suggesting they should be issued a helmet colour that cannot change throughout their career?

Nope, just no change during the season once it's begun. 

[Irisado]

Looks like we're lumbered with this idea too .

I'm really fed up, and the new season hasn't even started yet.

[Scott]

I'm not sure, social media is rife with people complaining about it.  I thought the Medal system was a given a couple years ago as well, but thankfully that was yanked at the last minute.

[Jericoke]

I'm not sure, social media is rife with people complaining about it.  I thought the Medal system was a given a couple years ago as well, but thankfully that was yanked at the last minute.

Still don't know why people are so attached to an arbitrary numbering system that is barely used.

I'd be surprised if there is a single post on all of GP Wizard referring to a driver, team or car by number, and only number.

Even if you don't like numbers for drivers, surely permanent numbers for teams makes sense.

[vintly]

Embrace the numbers. Unshackle yourself from these chains of resistance. There's nothing to be afraid of. Save your energy my friends, for issues of more import, and examine your hearts. You will find there, something special, something unique and something personal beyond compare. Not so dissimilar to a racing driver's number.

Let it be and rejoice!

[John S]

You're right of course Vintly, there are far more things to worry about than having to think of drivers as mere numbers.   
When I watch MotoGP I never think there goes 93 passing 26 or 46 in pursuit of 99.  I just know it's the factory Yamahas & Hondas giving it large, as usual at the front of things.