Looking ahead: Formula 1 World Championship 2009


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Brundle confirms new BBC role

Award-winning commentator and former grand prix driver Martin Brundle has confirmed that he will be a part of the BBC's new Formula One television presenting team in 2009.

Brundle told guests attending the Autocar Awards, at London's Royal Horticultural Hall, that he had contemplated whether to continue in the role he has occupied for ITV since his retirement from racing at the end of 1996.

"I'm delighted to be able to tell you all that I'll be joining the BBC next year," he said.

"I've been commentating on Formula One for the past dozen years, and I briefly considered calling it a day. But in the end I decided to take up the BBC's offer and I'm now very excited about working for them next year."

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone concluded a five-year deal, which includes exclusive rights to radio, mobile and internet broadcasting, with the BBC in March this year.

The BBC is believed to be close to finalising its 2009 line-up, with former Radio 5 Live commentator Jonathan Legard favourite to land the leading commentary role, and the recently-retired David Coulthard set to join as a pundit.

Source: Autosport

FOTA to discuss new qualifying format

The Formula One Teams' Association, FOTA, will discuss a new qualifying format for the sport when the body meets next month.

FOTA is looking to spice up qualifying, currently divided in three sessions, two of them including a knockout system.

The new idea to be looked at consists of all cars jumping onto the track at the same time and with the same amount of fuel, with the slowest driver being eliminated after each lap.

After 14 laps, the six fastest drivers would then fight for pole position, fitting new tyres but still using the same amount of fuel.

The proposal might even include a championship point for pole position and prize money.

The current format, where the ten quickest drivers fight for the top spot in the final session with an amount of fuel decided by the teams, often sees pole position going to a car that's lighter than the rest.

FOTA will meet on December 4 and if the proposed format is agreed upon by all teams, it is expected to be submitted to the FIA for approval.

Source: Autosport

Thoughts?

I don't like the current system much. I liked the single lap qualifying - it did make qualifying a bore, but it bode much better for the race.

The only problem with what they suggest is that a faster driver and car could easily be stuck behind someone slower, which would make a mess of their chances. A point should be given for pole though.

I don't like the current system much. I liked the single lap qualifying - it did make qualifying a bore, but it bode much better for the race.

The only problem with what they suggest is that a faster driver and car could easily be stuck behind someone slower, which would make a mess of their chances. A point should be given for pole though.

if the one lap system you're talking about was the one where they went out in the order of finishing the race then that was the worst system. Qualifying should be a level playing field for everyone, not a luck of the draw if it rains before / after your allocated run

if the one lap system you're talking about was the one where they went out in the order of finishing the race then that was the worst system. Qualifying should be a level playing field for everyone, not a luck of the draw if it rains before / after your allocated run

You can't have it both ways. You either have unfair qualifying (random, single lap, reverse grid) and get good racing as faster cars/drivers come through, or you put the faster cars/drivers at the front and hope you get lucky with some overtaking.

Which is why I liked the single lap system. A bit of bad luck with the weather, or a mistake on their lap and they'd be out of position, meaning they'd need to race through the field. In the current system the weather is pretty much negated and a mistake on their lap means nothing because they usually get another attempt at it.

  • 1 month later...

Sorry its been a while since an update, kinda forgot, what with Christmas, New Years and the Master's Snooker Championship :)

Lets get some more news rolling:

Alonso aims for third title to forget Ferrari

Renault and Williams unveil new cars

Renault: KERS dangerous and expensive

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