Formula One’s presence in Bahrain is usually the main source of controversy,
but this year it seems to have merely adopted the role of host.
After two fairly uninspiring races in the embryonic stages of sport’s own
revolution, powerful figures are agitating for a sudden about turn. In
truth, F1 has barely dipped its toes into the hybrid era, but that has not
prevented Bernie Ecclestone and Ferrari
manoeuvring for a change.
Jean Todt, the FIA president, flew into Bahrain on Friday night in an attempt
to defuse the situation amid accusations that the sport has become more of a
muted fuel economy run than the most spectacular motorsport on the planet.
Or as Luca di Montezemolo, Ferrari’s president, has put it, the sport’s
stars resemble “accountants” more than racing drivers.
It is worth noting that in Friday’s second practice, the fastest time was just
two-tenths of a second slower than the year before.
The Scuderia held on an online poll of 50,000 fans, with 83 per cent
disappointed at the new format.
Jenson
Button cautioned against snap judgments on Friday night, but said
the sport must be receptive to the feelings of its audience. “Eight years
ago there was no overtaking at all at some races, so I don’t think
overtaking is an issue,” the 34-year-old said on the eve of his 250th race.
“The problem is if the fans have issues with certain things that we’re doing
with the sport, it becomes an issue, because the reason why the sport is so
big is because of the supporters and the fan base we have. So the sport
definitely has to listen, and if changes need to be made they should be
made.”
Di Montezemolo, Ecclestone and Todt will hold talks over the weekend along
with the teams to see what, if anything, can be done. Todt will also meet Sebastian
Vettel, after the world champion labelled the new engine noise
“s—”.
Red
Bull also did not manage to avoid the source of controversy which
caused Daniel Ricciardo to be excluded in Melbourne, with yet another fuel
flow sensor failure.
Some organisers have threatened to sue over the sound, but one circuit which
has welcomed the changes is Silverstone.
Richard Phillips, managing director of the circuit, said on Friday in Bahrain:
“I have got no evidence at the moment that these new changes are making any
difference to the [ticket] sales.”