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MG ZR ZS ZT Technical - BTCC Great ... has Formula 1 lost it?

X-posted from the MG Metro, Montego and Maestro BBS:

FWIW, consider those 1500cc Formula 1 turbocharged engines some twenty years ago were getting 1200 bhp+ in qualifying mode. Be nice to observe smaller engined turbo cars again in the formula for the premier event.

Just watched the start and part of the Belgium GP Formula 1. Walked away after the start of the 2nd pit stops and did not observe the finish ... rarely ever done that in 50 years as a motor race enthusiast ..... F1 has become a non-event in my books. With most of the circuits now modified into "namby pamby" mode( unlike back in the more interesting days) these less demanding circuits and near bullet proof cars no longer cut it for me. Oh for a Mansell or someone similar to liven things up, or a change of formula .......

I watched some and recorded all of the Brands Hatch BTCC on ITV3 yesterday. Fabulous action, ever changing scene, always something of interest happening and for me at least a real bonus; a fine result in both events for the MG Zed-racers ..... Would prefer to see terrestial UK TV cover this LIVE in preference to the F1 Grand Prix now .... what do others think?

JMcF
John McFeely

Totally agree with you on this.

I used to go to F1 Grad Prix, travelled around europe watching. In those days, up to mid 80s, there was an element of racing.This has, for me at least, gone. I too watched the start of todays race, up to lap 3 then found something else to do. Thought that it would be the same old script (you know, red car wins and if for some reason the 'wrong' red car is in the lead he will slow down so that the 'right' red car can win).

Been to several BTCC meetings this year (Brands (twice), Croft, Oulton) and have already booked tickets for Donnington.

The racing s much better, the drivers actually race against each other and its good to watch. If you have never been to a meeting I would advise you to give it a try.
JLD

Again, I agree. F1 has become a one horse race, money being the winner every time. Oh for the days of Mansell and Senna. I did manage to see some of the Brands race yesterday, for the first time! It was brilliant, action all the way...Goodbye F1.
S Forbes

I will never desert F1 although I understand everyones opinion, but it is the pinicle of the sport. That said the BTCC is a bit of fun and can be enjoyable, but is it not just grass track racing on a tarmac surface with bigger budgets?
Bob

Bob WROTE:

>>> but is it not just grass track racing on a tarmac surface with bigger budgets <<<

Could be viewed that way .... nothing wrong with that in my books. Plus, all the drivers are really TRYING no holds barred wise EVERY race even down to last place. Some of the moves they do and strokes they pull USED to be commonplace in Formula 1.

Sadly, from this observer's point of view now extending over 50 years, F1 has been tailored for at least the past 10 years into the M. Schumacher must win at any cost show. In more recent years, Ferrari/Schumacher must win at all costs show ...... racing it aint. Schumacher, as the TV/Radio pundits pointed out ad nauseum today, has now exceeded N. Mansell's most race wins in a season record. Previously, when he won his fifth F1 title, we were reminded in the same way about JM Fangio's record being equalled. What they rarely remind us of is the way he won his first F1 Championship and that fact that he has won more races in the pits than any other driver in the history of the sport.

To be fair to the great driver himself, when asked to comment about his record equalling achievements, to his credit Schumacher's response was both gracious and perceptive when he stressed that there can be no effective comparison with then and now for obvious reasons .... they are merely then and now statistics and he is right. I also admire him as much for that as his ability to handle a car.

Bob's "pinicle of the sport" I agree it should be and was, but, IMHO that section of the sport has been devalued by the many changes and decisions taken in recent years. I ALWAYS used to make time to watch F1 by attending not just the UK event, but elsewhere in Europe too or making time to watch Grand Prix at home on TV. That is not the case now ... I find there are more interesting things to do or watch ...... like BTCC, Superbikes, Moto GP or fettling the old turbos ..... to name only three or four and I've not mentioned my "all time" favourite either ...... ;o))

Happy safe MotorinG

JMcF
John McFeely

I started to watch the 'highlights' last night, turned it off as there were too few highlights!

Kelvin
Kelvin

I used to be a big F1 fan. Now the BTCC has it all for me. For all of the reasons mentioned above and not least the cost! £20 - £25 a ticket for BTCC which if you are intending to go to Donnington on Sunday 22nd September, is great value.
It's the last race of the season. The title could go any of 3 ways in the Tourers and 2 ways in the production (Which in itelf is just as exciting).
There are also, Battle of Britain, nimrod and Tornado flypasts throughout the day, The pitlane opens and you can meet and chat to the drivers, there's an MG cavalcade, a Team Halfords stunt team, GT Cars, an invitation sports car endurance race AND (some might say) the Renault Clio nutters.
A FANTASTIC days racing.
Although vauxhall have dominated for a season and a half. MG are now right back up there, very closely followed by Honda. Oh please bring back, Ford, Alfa, Volvo, BMW, and anyone else who wants to join in.
I'm an MG fan, but a bigger James Thompson fan, and I'm praying he can hold out and win it this year!

Who saw Mat Neal beat him in the first race of the season at Donnington a couple of years back and win £1 Million for being the first ever privateer to win a race outright?
The whole thing dipped for a while, but is now back with a vengence.
The Fantasy BTCC league is cracking too.

Cheers

Kieren
Kieren Gibson

This thread was discussed between 01/09/2002 and 06/09/2002

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