F1 overhaul could hurt ‘show’ – Mark Webber

Tue, 17 February 2009, 10:00

Feb.17 (GMM) Despite the efforts to increase overtaking, Mark Webber thinks F1’s “show” could actually be negatively affected by the sweeping 2009 rules changes

In an effort to make it easier for drivers to pursue and pass their rivals, the cars’ aerodynamic profiles have been totally overhauled, and measures like KERS and cockpit-adjustable front wings introduced

But when asked if the racing is set to be closer and better this season, Red Bull’s Webber answered: “Not necessarily

“I think the time gaps (between the cars) will be bigger,” the Australian said in interview with motorline.cc

“Last year if the gaps (between cars) in qualifying were about two tenths, this year it will be maybe four tenths

“You can calculate how big the gaps will be after three laps

“Everyone says the show needs to be improved, but last year there were some exciting races. The last two years have been absolutely spectacular

“They’re dreamers if they think they can make the show better,” said Webber

The 32-year-old also said too much overtaking is actually boring, as “oval racing” in America demonstrates

“It’s not very exciting if there are 10,000 passes every race: it has to be a challenge. It is not meant to be easy, otherwise it’s like Indycars, not very exciting.”nnWebber observed that even though the aerodynamic profile of the cars has changed dramatically, arguably the biggest obstacle to overtaking – F1’s extremely short braking distances – remains the same

“We are still going to brake really late, and here (at Jerez last week) we’re not lapping much slower than last year. The limit is the limit.”n

You may also like