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4th October 2019, 14:43 #21
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Well, I'm actually surprised how much it seems that drivers are shooting for the fastest lap, even when they are the leading drivers. I expected it more from the drivers hoping to close small gaps, but it seems that frequently several drivers per race are on the radio looking for a shot at this extra point.
Seven different drivers have scored fastest laps this year, and at times it seems that strategy calls might easily influence who has a chance to go for it, and when.
With a chunk of the season over, what does everyone else think?
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4th October 2019, 17:16 #22
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It's a farce. Get rid of it.
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4th October 2019, 17:32 #23
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Last edited by The Black Knight; 4th October 2019 at 17:34.
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5th October 2019, 18:53 #24
Totally agree with that.
In a close championship battle (which admittedly we haven't had for awhile), I can see how the fastest lap point might spark some excitement.
In looking back at 2016, I see that Nico scored 6 fastest laps compared to 3 for Lewis. But F/L didn't mean anything more than bragging rights back then. Unlike Vettel, Hamilton didn't typically go out of his way to record the fastest lap (prior to the awarding of a point anyway). With 2016 ending in a 5 point separation between Rosberg and Hamilton, and Hamilton having 12 poles to Rosberg's 8 (suggesting that he might have been generally quicker when he really wanted to be), I just wonder if having that bonus point in a season like that wouldn't add some real spice? What do you guys think?"Every generation's memory is exactly as long as its own experience." --John Kenneth Galbraith
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5th October 2019, 19:58 #25
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5th October 2019, 23:27 #26
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My thoughts are somewhat similar. In most races, it adds nothing or next to nothing for excitement, but the first time a WDC or constructors championship place is decided by fastest lap points it will all of a sudden matter. If you are Ferrari or Mercedes, it might not matter still financially. But if you are Alfa and Haas, that extra cash flow of one position is a bigger deal. So similar to reliability, it will only matter when it matters.
I've actually been surprised at the radio chatter and teams looking for that "free" pit stop delta near race end to take a shot at fastest lap.
I think KMag is the only driver to get a fastest lap other than the Merc/Ferrari/RB teams. IIRC that applied last year as well.
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6th October 2019, 10:46 #27
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If you look at who has benefited from the fastest lap so far, you would find that only drivers from the top three have managed to pull it off consistently. My problem with the fastest lap bonus is it helps the teams in the sharp end more than it does the Midfield or below. Which has the effect of pulling the sharp end of the grid further away from the midfield.
The fastest lap would make more sense if it can assist the midfiled to get closer to the sharp end or help teams outside the top ten to get in the mix with teams at the bottom of the the top ten. Hence, l agree, it should be scrapped or modified to benefit the midfield and below. Really would not mind if the top three teams are not allowed to benefit from the fastest lap but that is also controversial.Last edited by Nitrodaze; 6th October 2019 at 10:49.
Better a witty fool than a foolish wit.
William Shakespeare
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7th October 2019, 19:56 #28
Sordo https://youtu.be/NKqJQLKlqDA?si=199ai_aOf2Qs8qJ7 Munster https://youtu.be/c_7JuAJ1W18?si=_GaShLZCbhDzO1Y3 Neuville https://youtu.be/squR_MO6I6c?si=rJEuQEKWMo-qghX5
WRC Testing