NewsOnF1 - Don't change Hockenheim!

Main Page

I am a relatively new fan of Formula 1, and this is only the first season I'm watching every race and following the sport patriotically. The week before the race all I have been hearing about Hockenheim is that it is boring, too long, no fun for the spectators, there are no chances to overtake (and sir you are guilty of this too - reference Issue 22), the finish will look pretty much like the starting grid.

Well that has to be the most exciting race I have ever seen, I was trembling with excitement all the way through. By far the best race of the season even though I am a McLaren fan.

If Hockenheim was able to provide such excitement then why aren't their rights to host the GP next year not been renewed yet?. I think Bernie Ecclestone is wrong for asking Hockenheim to change the track to make it shorter and "more enjoyable for the fans". If anything the fans need more tracks like Hockenheim where we can see more passing. If this track was shorter (as the FIA propose) would we have seen the same exciting race? I don't think so.

And I'd just like to say how happy I am for Rubens, what a brilliant drive and great way to win your first race (If there was anybody else I would rather win a race apart from Mika or David I would like it to be Rubens). I was also very impressed with the way Mika and David conducted themselves after the race by truly making it a great moment for Rubens.

As for the start, I think no one can be squarely blamed, it is just one of those things that happens now and then, and I don't think any new rules need to be put into place, these guys are Formula 1 drivers, the best of the best, they should be able to handle a little blocking, if anybody can do it they can.

Faris - Australia

The Heretic replies:

Hockenheim has had its excitement from time to time, but more often than not racing was relatively boring.

This time I agree - it was far from boring.

Ecclestone, like too many others involved in the sport (including me), is unable to keep up with the huge technological advances made on all fronts.

In the past Hockenheim had a reputation as a difficult track to overtake on but as we saw it is now one of the few tracks where the current evolution of F1 car can overtake. Things change.

His request (or demand, which is probably more likely) for a shorter track is aimed at making it more enjoyable for attendees but as you so rightly point out this could spoil the enjoyment of many more who watch it on television. Maybe he should take a moment to compare numbers.

On the other hand Hockenheim is getting dangerous. I know that F1 is the premier motor sport and should be fast but speeds of over 350 km/H is getting a little too high. If nothing is done by next year cars will be getting close to 400 km/H on a race track that is not designed to restrain an out of control car anywhere near that. Chicanes will have to be added soon and that will probably kill any chance of overtaking.

We also can't expect to see a race that starts dry, has a wandering Frenchman and when it rains it rains on only half the track every time.
The events that made this race close too the most exciting I have ever watched will probably not repeat in the foreseeable future.

I share your sentiments. I was touched by the obvious joy and humility on Barrichello's face on the podium as well as the unconditional support that he had from both McLaren drivers. That was real sportsmanship worthy of our admiration.

The Heretic