Bob Barnard Track Engineering

Had an interesting e-mail conversation with Sam Michael of Williams F1. I used a quote from Sam in my presentation on track design to the effect that Sam believes that the design of the track has more impact on the ability to overtake than messing around with the cars. That has always been obvious to me and something I am acutely aware of when laying out a track. The most interesting thing he said was that they, meaning the teams and the Overtaking Working Group, have little or no contact with the F1 designers. Now, seeing as there is only one designer in F1 and it has been that way for a decade then that is pretty amazing. I know I say I do not consult drivers and that the cars should be set up for the tracks and not the other way around, but no contact seems really strange. The track layout and construction has to be one of the major components along with the car design and driver, and for there not to be at least a conversation sounds like a two legged stool, bound to fail.

Been having some other interesting exchanges about the suitability of certain tracks to stage races. You know my opinion, if it does not produce good racing why go there and make your product look bad? It is obvious that tracks are being selected on purely commercial grounds. Either the promoter is paying a large fee to stage the event, or the sponsors want to be there whether we want to watch or not. Of course commercial considerations have to come in to the equation, but it cannot be the only piece.

Had another overseas approach yesterday, this time Vietnam, so racing is spreading. It is putting pressure on the traditional homes of racing in Europe, but I have always said that we should work to make the pie bigger rather than fight over the last slice.  There are really too many series now, particularly for open wheel racing, but maybe if we spread it around to new parts of the world we can continue to grow the opportunities for drivers and teams.

Hungary F1 starts tomorrow. I must confess this is a race I never thought would survive. Small country and a track no one really likes, virtually impossible to overtake. I had the good fortune to go there a couple of times and I do love the country and the people, but for it to survive when France does not have a race? It tells you that something is different in the arrangements, and I believe our friend Bernie actually puts it on.