Morning all
The race started at 2am here (Nanjing China), so I had gone to bed. But, I awoke at 2:15am and decided to check the action. Well, there wasn't any!! I had missed the exciting part of the race, the formation lap! I agree with all the above and add this:-
DC's comment that it's a pity mature grown ups couldn't find a solution was telling. The problem was caused by Michelin finding their tyre was not up to the job (Doesn't matter why, they obviously didn't do it on purpose). So, a solution has to be found. I understand other tyres were flown over, but they were unsuitable.
The FIA respond with a letter that can only be described as ridiculous in its stupidity. Their solution was that the Michelin teams would have to drive slowly round the corner while keeping out of the way of the faster cars. Alternatively, change the tyre every 10 laps (with any penalty to be decided by the stewards). Either way, the Michelin cars would be uncompetitive.
Under the circumstances, the only way to have the cars race safely would be to reduce the speed in the turn. This was known well enough in advance to have enabled a chicane to be installed (estimated as a 40 min job) and tested by drivers during the Sunday morning. The FIA said this was completely unacceptable. No way could Michelin have raced with that tyre (think of US litigation).
The FIA has forgotten that it has allowed Formula 1 to change from a pure sport into a television spectacular, largely due to Bernie Ecclestone. Yesterday, the FIA completely failed to understand this, as their laughable letter made only too clear.
The problem was known in plenty of time, but the FIA refused to make any compromise.
Had Michelin serviced all the cars, then I'm sure a solution would have been found and a full race held. Instead, we had all the immature political posturing (read bullshit)that prevented a race (sorry, I meant to say televisual racing spectacular).
Pity the two Ferraris didn't collide and spin into retirement, then it would have been much more interesting.
I'm back in the UK for the British Grand Prix. I hope that the FIA doesn't attempt to penalise Michelin resulting in their immediate withdrawal the week before.
Hey Ho, luchtime over, back to work!
Regards
Dave Tickle