Belgian GP 2010 - Spa Francorchamps

[Dragonfly]

Charlie is inspecting the track himself. I think the session is over. There is obviously nothing on track. Ridiculous.

Whiting is a joke. This season he tends to interfere more than common sense would allow.
...... or his former boss instructed him to try and make things even more unpredictable.

BTW does someone know what tyres had Schumi and Nico when they did presumably high fuel load laps?

[aral]

Charlie is inspecting the track himself. I think the session is over. There is obviously nothing on track. Ridiculous.

It appears that the problem was with one of the guard dogs, used by the security men.

[PlatinumZealot]

RedBull sandbagging? Maclaren fastest in 2nd sector? or just rain?

[Giblet]

Charlie is inspecting the track himself. I think the session is over. There is obviously nothing on track. Ridiculous.

Whiting is a joke. This season he tends to interfere more than common sense would allow.
...... or his former boss instructed him to try and make things even more unpredictable.

BTW does someone know what tyres had Schumi and Nico when they did presumably high fuel load laps?

Charlie has more information coming in than anyone else from more sources than we can see, and does not want to keep anyone from racing.

Safety is his prime concern and he does an incredible job, and people who don't think so don't really understand what his job really is.

Spa is a very long track and there is a lot of room for things to go wrong.

Safety trumps all.

[Dragonfly]

I see, he was driving slowly for his own safety.
Honestly, I can't agree with you.
They have constant radio link, every part of the track is covered by TV cameras, there are marshals around the track. If there was a problem, it must have been a minor one, because the TV director could not show us even a hint. That means it could easily be dealt with without CW making a lap of honour while precious time was draining out.
In fact, I read somewhere that the lights in the pit lane malfunctioned and thought to myself couldn't this be the real reason they tried to cover ??..

[Giblet]

So you don't know the reason, but make assumptions about his character and judgement.

You put the blame on Charlie who does an exemplary job almost all the time, for decades now.

Anyone can make a bad judgment call, and can make a mistake. Who knows, maybe he did. I am not wanting to get into a big debate about Charlie, but he is just doing his job, which he has been doing extremely well for a long time.

[WhiteBlue]

I did not know it was a dog again. As animals can be unpredictable we should probably appreciate that Charlie went to maximum safety on this. It was a shame that the red light did not work properly and they lost more time in the pit lane. The problem happened exactly when the conditions were best all day long of the two sessions. They should think about a rule change in that conditions. There should be some discretion for race control to stop the clock.

[timd]

Charlie is well respected among F1 and that doesnt come for nothing. He does fine.

It doesnt need a special rule. They all got their 1 lap. Japan last year was worse. Sometimes these things happen its the mark of the team to deal with it. Every year there are races like this and i dont think this is the worst of them.

If the teams go over agressive for qualifying and bottom out and bin it they need to think about it.

[Ray]

I see, he was driving slowly for his own safety.
Honestly, I can't agree with you.
They have constant radio link, every part of the track is covered by TV cameras, there are marshals around the track. If there was a problem, it must have been a minor one, because the TV director could not show us even a hint. That means it could easily be dealt with without CW making a lap of honour while precious time was draining out.
In fact, I read somewhere that the lights in the pit lane malfunctioned and thought to myself couldn't this be the real reason they tried to cover ??..

Armchair Generals rarely succeed

[timbo]

There should be some discretion for race control to stop the clock.

IMO it is impossible. Weekends usually run on pretty tight schedule, you've got other series tests, quali's and races to consider.

[WhiteBlue]

There should be some discretion for race control to stop the clock.

IMO it is impossible. Weekends usually run on pretty tight schedule, you've got other series tests, quali's and races to consider.

I doubt that Spa in particular is that busy on fridays. That's the reason that I said discretion should be used. If it doesn't fit they do not have to do it. But if there is time they should be allowed to hold the clock. It is done in qualifying. Why not in practise?

[ringo]

Could it have to do with television air time?

[WhiteBlue]

Very few television companies transmit free practise. There are by far more companies involved in qualifying and they hold the clock for that. There is also no point to not extend the practise just for television schedules. If they cut away they simply cut away. Those companies that can afford a flexible schedule will stay. The viewers are over all better off.

[Richard]

if there is time they should be allowed to hold the clock. It is done in qualifying. Why not in practise?

Agreed, especially as it is their only opportunity for testing thee days. The other factor is that this was one of the few dry periods in an otherwise wet session

[raymondu999]

I believe Mark Webber did make a point on that on the team radio too, after he pitted with what seemed to be engine oil problems?