Normally there is an expectation that not every Grand Prix will be a classic and some will lack overtaking and drama, but the opening Bahrain Grand Prix must go down as the most boring race ever. The track does not normally deliver the most excitement, but to combine this with a lack of refuelling and teams all wanting to play it safe it gave ammunition to those who don’t like F1 to tell us how boring F1 is and in this case they would be right.
From my point of view, 5 emails went straight to the BBC, with my feelings on how the rules had changed a race into an eco endurance test, “Who can go the further on a set of tyres” and really could we stand another 18 races of this. The answer of course is no, it must change now.
Of course there are some that suggest we wait and not to make a knee jerking decision and of course “Bernie” saying we will have to live with it, but this race was so bad even a huge improvement will not be good enough. The lack of refuelling completely changes how a team wants to enter and drive throughout a race and it is not about doing anything exciting, as this may damage the tyres and force an extra pit stop.
I doubt anyone will take any notice of a few fans complaining, it will be later in the season when viewing figures drop and the tracks that normally struggle to fill the seats complain that the return of “Schuey “ is not enough to replace procession driving at 6 seconds a lap slower than last year. When it starts to hit in the pocket, suddenly solutions will be found, until then don’t get up early for Australia, because you may fall asleep before the end.
