Malaysia farce

[Steven Roy]

The ending was entirely predictable.  Hold a race at a time of day when there is going to be a monsoon and too dark to re-start.

I guess the next two weeks is going to be full of arguments about who finished where.

[Alianora La Canta]

Seems clear enough to me (unless they had a badly-timed power cut like Brazil 2003 or something).

The rules were rewritten in 2004 so that the results are taken from the last time the race leader crossed the finish line. So Lap 31 is indeed the correct point from which to take the results.

[johnbull]

WHAT A c*ck UP.  Well done the FIA. You're doing great.

And these people have the cheek to penalise and sanction drivers for talking out of place.

The poor drivers are scared to answer simple questions at interviews these days, for fear that Max will bring out his whip ....... again ! Even Alonso just changed the subject when asked if it wass safe to restart in the dark conditions of 6.40pm in Malaysia. And Alonso doesn't usually find himself lost for words with the press !

[John S]

I think the ringmaster, Bernie, has to take a lot of the credit for the farce, it will have been him insisting on the later start to maximise the TV audience. The FIA is also culpable though for closing their eyes to this very predictable outcome.

Remember when Bernie, at loggerheads as usual with the British GP organisers, moved it to early June with the inevitable inclement weather that almost made it a washout and caused chaos for race fans in the car parks. Bernie as always don't take kindly to the word NO.

[SennaMan]

well in a way disappointing but then again another difference to savour - only half points though, so after 2 rounds driver's points are:

01 Jenson Button 15
02 Rubens Barrichello 10
03 Jarno Trulli 8.5
04 Timo Glock 8
05 Nick Heidfeld 4
06 Fernando Alonso 4
07 Nico Rosberg 3.5
08 Sebastien Buemi 2
09 Mark Webber 1.5
10 Lewis Hamilton 1

I wonder if the .5 of a point may be crucial at the season's end.

[Number 38]

From Sennaman: "I wonder if the .5 of a point may be crucial at the season's end."

If your name is Jarno Trulli I'll bet it does!

[Wizzo]

I understand the rules.

I understand why the race was stopped.

I understand why the race didn't continue.

I understand why the finishing places were changed and the half points awarded accordingly.

NONE of my friends or family who have recently gained an interest in F1 will have the faintest clue as to why all these events took place. No doubt I will continue with my conversation from last week and to try and explain why they should continue to watch F1.

Apart from that, it was a brilliant race!

[FW14B]

It does seem crazy to have a race at a time where there are virtually guaranteed thunderstorms, but I guess we should 'thank' Bernie for thinking of us Europeans, the same people he is continually taking races from 

Anyway, the race, or what we had of it, was brilliant and full of excitement.  Overtaking, errors, slides, good battles... More of the same but without the rain please!

[Jericoke]

It does seem crazy to have a race at a time where there are virtually guaranteed thunderstorms, but I guess we should 'thank' Bernie for thinking of us Europeans, the same people he is continually taking races from 

Welcome to being an F1 fan in North America.  Without Canada or USA, there's just the Brazilian race on during the day.  The European races are at 8 AM, and the Asian races start when the bars close.

Anyway, the race, or what we had of it, was brilliant and full of excitement.  Overtaking, errors, slides, good battles... More of the same but without the rain please!

Absolutely, I'm happy to see that the new rules have FINALLY made for interesting racing!  Watching cars trade corners back and forth is what I loved about F1 in the 90s

[Ian]

Yup, when I saw the new rules and cars I thought, YUK, but it's good, some real racing back again.  . And a double    for JenSON, hehe, sorry Sennaman, could'nt resist it.

[FW14B]

It does seem crazy to have a race at a time where there are virtually guaranteed thunderstorms, but I guess we should 'thank' Bernie for thinking of us Europeans, the same people he is continually taking races from 

Welcome to being an F1 fan in North America.  Without Canada or USA, there's just the Brazilian race on during the day.  The European races are at 8 AM, and the Asian races start when the bars close.

Anyway, the race, or what we had of it, was brilliant and full of excitement.  Overtaking, errors, slides, good battles... More of the same but without the rain please!

Absolutely, I'm happy to see that the new rules have FINALLY made for interesting racing!  Watching cars trade corners back and forth is what I loved about F1 in the 90s

Oh I cannot begin to imagine the toils of being a F1 fan in the Americas in general.  One race, plenty of drivers/potential and even a team from next year.  Bernie just seems to lose the plot big time and goes obviously where he gets bigger bucks for himself, forgetting the main market for F1 (Europe) and the biggest market for the teams involved (North America). 

It is a conflicting time for F1 fans, the authorities are clearly incredibly stupid, but the racing now is very exciting.  I look forward to races but dread the aftermath.

[Scott]

"It is a conflicting time for F1 fans, the authorities are clearly incredibly stupid, but the racing now is very exciting.  I look forward to races but dread the aftermath." 

You said it all.

[johnbull]

I look forward to races but dread the aftermath." 

And so do the drivers by the looks of things.

[cosworth151]

Most people over here think F1 and IndyCar are the same thing. Versus, the new TV network for IndyCar, has even been advertising "F1 on Versus! The IndyCar Series!"

Now, we've still got the diffuser hearing in Paris hanging over everything. That could wash away the standings from the first two races. Try explaining that to new fans.

Add to that the fact that the USGP at Indy was called a failure because it only pulled in 150,000 fans in its SMALLEST year!

I can't wait to see what Bernie does when Abu Dhabi isn't ready.

[FW14B]

Knowing Bernie, probably be apologetic to Abu Dhabi and pay them to get the track done quicker.  He is that kind of person.  Screw the main markets and love everyone else!