Four-cylinder engines in F1 'pathetic'

As for those who think that 4 cylinders are the end of F-1 - I don't recall the BMW turbo being a boring engine..... I do agree with the sentiment that a a really good (the best?) way to regulate the power of a racing motor is to regulate the amount of energy that can be input throughout a race....

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Originally Posted by DexDexter

Sure it worked but the world has changed. F1 is competing in a world where it is more and more difficult to get people's attention and keep them interested since they've so many leisure activities to choose from. That's why the playing field in F1 must be/is levelled so that it is very difficult to dominate and get an edge over others. It must be exciting and dominance of one team or engine manufacturer (which your rules would more likely to lead into) would be very bad for F1 since nobody wants to watch Jenson Button going around the track a minute ahead of everybody even if the car is cool and advanced. They'll turn the channel or do something else, believe me.

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Well said.

They are not, thoose BMW produced 1500 hp.

On the cost argument, teams will basically spend what they can anyway.

And coming up with a clever idea costs nothing. It's all the multiple aero iterations required to develop under the current regulations that burn money.

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Originally Posted by DexDexter

Sure it worked but the world has changed. F1 is competing in a world where it is more and more difficult to get people's attention and keep them interested since they've so many leisure activities to choose from. That's why the playing field in F1 must be/is levelled so that it is very difficult to dominate and get an edge over others. It must be exciting and dominance of one team or engine manufacturer (which your rules would more likely to lead into) would be very bad for F1 since nobody wants to watch Jenson Button going around the track a minute ahead of everybody even if the car is cool and advanced. They'll turn the channel or do something else, believe me.

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That is a very good point, and to be honest I've resigned myself in recent years to the fact that F1 is clearly setting it's stall out as entertainment first and a sport second (and technology showcase a distant third probably).

Maybe it's time for someone (hell I'd take a stab myself if I had any organisational skills and connections) to have a go at setting up a new form of motorsport where the USP is unlimited technological development besides restrictions of energy, as well as safety concerns and practicality (i.e. max. dimensions so that cars that take up the full width of the track are banned).

If the cars get too quick and approach g-suit territory then lower the permissible energy consumption to peg them back, no arsing around with anything else needed.

Pay all entrants equal "prize" money to aid lesser funded entrants.

And then see what fans, manufacturers and competitors bite. Yes it would be a niche sport, but there's plenty of those around. Judging by these message boards and others there are fans out there who'd take an interest, manufacturers could justify the cost as it would be the ultimate R&D exercise, sponsors who might want the PR of being associated with an activity that is having actual benefits of solving the energy crisis might not expect as many eyeballs for ROI as they would for an equivalent F1 sponsorship too.

If someone wants to enter an F1 car, a sportscar, that Delta Wing thing, or purpose-designed machine, all would be welcome provided they met the basic size, safety and energy consumption regulations.

Yes, it's a pipe dream and might well not get off the ground, but I'd love to see an attempt at something like this.

4 cylinder F1's? That great. I hope who continue watching enjoy it, I won't be. If they do it, I'M OUT.

And talk about money! All the teams will need to totally redevelop their cars engines. What's that gonna cost? Funny they talk about cost-cutting then do stuff like this!

It would only be there for 1 year. No-one would show up. Going V8 was one thing, this is absurd.

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Originally Posted by V12

That is a very good point, and to be honest I've resigned myself in recent years to the fact that F1 is clearly setting it's stall out as entertainment first and a sport second (and technology showcase a distant third probably).

Maybe it's time for someone (hell I'd take a stab myself if I had any organisational skills and connections) to have a go at setting up a new form of motorsport where the USP is unlimited technological development besides restrictions of energy, as well as safety concerns and practicality (i.e. max. dimensions so that cars that take up the full width of the track are banned).

If the cars get too quick and approach g-suit territory then lower the permissible energy consumption to peg them back, no arsing around with anything else needed.

Pay all entrants equal "prize" money to aid lesser funded entrants.

And then see what fans, manufacturers and competitors bite. Yes it would be a niche sport, but there's plenty of those around. Judging by these message boards and others there are fans out there who'd take an interest, manufacturers could justify the cost as it would be the ultimate R&D exercise, sponsors who might want the PR of being associated with an activity that is having actual benefits of solving the energy crisis might not expect as many eyeballs for ROI as they would for an equivalent F1 sponsorship too.

If someone wants to enter an F1 car, a sportscar, that Delta Wing thing, or purpose-designed machine, all would be welcome provided they met the basic size, safety and energy consumption regulations.

Yes, it's a pipe dream and might well not get off the ground, but I'd love to see an attempt at something like this.

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If Ferrari went with the NEW series it would have SOME chance. If not, check this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A1_Grand_Prix

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Originally Posted by Ari

4 cylinder F1's? That great. I hope who continue watching enjoy it, I won't be. If they do it, I'M OUT.

And talk about money! All the teams will need to totally redevelop their cars engines. What's that gonna cost? Funny they talk about cost-cutting then do stuff like this!

It would only be there for 1 year. No-one would show up. Going V8 was one thing, this is absurd.

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You are joking, right? You can't honestly think that people follow F1 because there are a certain number of cylinders in an F1 motor? :rolleyes:

Together with the other changes for 2013 I'm pretty convinced F1 will be more exciting than it is today, and. I'm sure most of the 600 million viewers will at least give it a chance before writing it off based on number of cylinders, which will be enough for them to realize it's still worth watching.

I think the sport can spare the few people that doesn't. Bye bye.

I think people who will throw a paddy if we go to four cylinders, forget these things will be turbo charged....