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Formula 1 managing director Ross Brawn says that the sport is against introducing "gimmicks" such as reverse grids for the 2021 season.
The aforementioned year is set to see a number of new regulations introduced, including overhauls to the aerodynamic and engine rules.
On Monday, it was confirmed that one point would be awarded for the fastest lap this year, offering an insight into the direction that the sport is taking.
However, Brawn assured that the race format would not be reconfigured.
"I think fans like change when it brings better racing and better entertainment," Brawn told Autosport. "They may object to change if they see it being done for the wrong reasons. And maybe people are a bit uncomfortable when things change.
"I personally think there are some references that we have to keep - the length of the race, and the nature of the race.
"I don't think reverse grids would be at the right level for F1. It works in other formulae, we know that from our own experience. But there are different requirements in F2 than F1.
"We're definitely not into gimmicks, we're into nurturing and developing the racing, and understanding what the fans enjoy, and seeing how we can give them more of what they enjoy with integrity.
"We don't want it to be gimmicky. Because I think that will turn fans off."
Brawn hailed the work that F1's marketing groups have done over the last year, but admits there is a lot of work before fan's interests are fully understood.
"We're learning more and more about our fans, and what they enjoy, and the nature of motor racing fans," said Brawn.
"It's fascinating to start to understand the interests of our fans, and what they like to see and what they don't like to see. But I think they accept change when it's going in the right direction.
"2021 is a big change. I think there will be some who see the cars and don't like them, but I hope the majority will see the cars and love them. They'll certainly love the benefits they'll see out on the track."
Grand Prix of Belgium
G. Zhou
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Replies (5)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Not meaning to harp, but I figure I might aswell throw away one or two or one hundred, since I accidentally bought too many at last year's black friday, but with the current tyre regs, the PU components cap, the DRS and DRS-zones, and now the points for fastest laps, to just mention the ones on top of me head, F1 is riddled with gimmicks. Not saying we dislike all of them, but you guys are kinda already b****-deep into the stuff. Kinda too late to say you dislike them now, innit?
f1dave
Posts: 782
You're absolutely right on this one. Most of today's rules are just gimmicks to "bring better entertainment" whatever that means.
Ram Samartha
Posts: 1,172
Fast lap is pretty gimmicky. DRS is as well, but there probably wouldn't be much overtaking without it, and it probably does improve the racing a bit. Fast lap probably won't affect the racing but might just make the show a little more entertaining in the last few laps when the cars are getting lighter and faster. I could see some teams pitting for fresh tires to get fast lap if it doesn't affect their running position/race points.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Ah yes, as I said, I don't necessarily dislike them, I for one like DRS and think it in its current state is more or less perfect: nothing major, nothing game changing, just that slight oompf to help in overtakes. My point is just that they have already endorsed gimmicks, so it's a bit too late to say they don't want gimmicks.
Ram Samartha
Posts: 1,172
Yep, that is the point isn't it? I guess his point is that they don't want to use gimmickier gimmicks that other people/formulas have thought of.