Pick a number

[christophulus]

So, perhaps the one good change that has come out this week is that drivers can race with a permanent number from now on:

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2013/12/0...ers-next-year/

Formula One drivers will select race numbers which they will retain for the rest of their careers from next season.

Drivers will be given the choice of numbers between 2 and 99 from next year.

The number one will remain for special use of the reigning world champion, if they choose to use it. Where two drivers choose the same number, whoever finished highest in the championship will have first preference.

[Rollo]

If I was Mercedes, those two cars would be running 658 and 722 on them.
Likewise, Ferrari should see if they can secure 27 and 28.

[555-04Q2]

Wonder what number Vettel would want

[odykas]

Good news is that number 13 is available.

I wonder who will get it.

[Mark]

Excellent! Been wanting to see this brought in since they started the new numbering system (I think in the mid-90's?). Changing numbers every year means there's no association built up.

[henners88]

Now this is a good introduction. I'd much rather see a driver pick a number and stick to it for their whole career. I liked it when Valentino Rossi would use his unique number even when he was entitled to have the number 1 on his bike. Its good to see F1 drivers can once again do this.

[Mark]

Now of course we wonder who is going to get the historic 27&28! I can see 99 being a popular choice too, I would be my guess we won't see a '2' on the grid next year.

Is significantly different to the past of course when the teams had the numbers, now it's the drivers.

[Storm]

finally a good rule change. Most sports have it, why F1 did not was baffling.

[Mark]

The FIA have an uncanny knack of taking something and then regulating it in order to make it worse. Changing the numbers to be based on the previous years championship position is a case in point. Regulating the podium celebrations, tyre change rules.

Need I mention them destroying Rallying by regulating the distance, amount and location of stages to make them 'TV friendly' which destroyed the essence of the sport.

I generally feel that F1 thrives despite of the organisers, not because of them.

[journeyman racer]

I'd pick 28, if I could. I was a huge fan of Fred Taylor at the Jacksonville Jaguars.