Comments on: KERS – another costly mistake by Mosley

By: Andy Monis

Andy Monis — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:33:49 +0000

KERS was and is the wrong technology. If the environment is the motivating factor then the engine regulations should be opened up to allow alternative forms of power such as Fuel Cells.
If over taking was the major issue the button on the steering wheel should just allow you to use 20k rpm (instead of the 18k limit) for the permitted time per lap.
Personally I think having spec engines is wrong, and would like to see teams investigating other avenues for power, such as the diesel engines that have made the their mark at Le Mans recently.

By: Alan Dalton

Alan Dalton — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:28:28 +0000

I often wonder what kind of madness takes hold of the FIA regarding ludicrous introductions such as KERS. These types of energy recovery device may have a place in everyday motoring but applicability to road car technology is surely not the sole purpose of Formula 1. ‘Win on Sunday, sell on Monday’ will always hold true, irrespective of the level of technological crossover.

It seems perfectly obvious that KERS would be a pointless money-wasting exercise. If, as was planned, all teams were to run KERS by 2010 then every driver would push their boost buttons at the same time and everybody would stay in exactly the same positions. Pointless. If it was the FIA’s intention to stimulate overtaking then the solution is simple, reduce aerodynamic levels to the early- to mid-1980s (sans ground effects), maybe even use an 80s-style front and rear wing as a template. That way following cars could stay close enough through corners to be able to slipstream down the straights and throw it up the inside at the next corner. (Providing the FIA doesn’t penalise the overtaking driver for risking an accident, of course…).

What saddens me most of all about KERS is that the careers of many drivers are being thrown away in its wake. While the KERS teams have undoubtedly produced poor cars by their standards, this must in part be down to the diversion of effort caused by the packaging headaches which the KERS system has created. But what use is that to Heikki Kovalainen who, after a patchy first season with McLaren, really needed to prove his worth at the top level and instead ends up trundling around near the back? Likewise, Nelsinho Piquet’s big chance has probably passed him by when he needed to consolidate his position this season. Will Robert Kubica, no less, be regarded in the same light as he was prior to BMW’s disastrous 2009 campaign? A driver can very quickly become yesterday’s news and not every driver’s career will receive the miraculous resuscitation that Jenson Button’s has received…

By: Ray

Ray — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:39:10 +0000

One only had to look at the Chrysler Patriot, built for Le Mans some years ago, using a KERS type power package, and which never managed to actually run under it’s own power. Chrysler poured millions into it and couldn’t make it work, or safe.

By: Bryan Hills

Bryan Hills — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:38:02 +0000

Max Mosley needs to grow up. Dancing on his grave = fiddlesticks. He said he would not seek re-election, then someone called him a nasty name and he said “Shant” I will stand. Max, go and get on with your sex games and leave F1 to us.

By: Robin Richardson

Robin Richardson — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:37:23 +0000

I hate to say I told you so in an earlier post but………..

Mosley, speaking in an interview with the Mail on Sunday, said that while he would rather stand down in October, he was prepared to do whatever was required in the face of a potential conflict with Formula 1′s car manufacturers.

“They made the mistake of dancing on my grave before I was buried,” Mosley told the newspaper. “It’s no good the teams getting a PR agency to claim I am dead and buried when I am standing here as large as life. I am under pressure now from all over the world to stand for re-election.

“I don’t actually want to,” he added. “I feel I am a little bit too old.

Should I sue him for plagiarising my ideas or should I asked him for a job since we both seem to be on the same wavelength?

As to the protege asked about by Chris Brooke, well Carlos Garcia of the Spanish Federation seems to be peddling a similar line. This isn’t done and dusted just yet.

By: Kenny

Kenny — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:46:37 +0000

I like Rupert.

But, if we must have “green” in motor racing, then the engine builders can continue their efforts to build more efficient engines and the oil companies can pull finger and use some of their zillions to develop cleaner fuels and alternate sources of (clean) energy.

Nigel has my vote.

By: Rupert Suren

Rupert Suren — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:30:32 +0000

Who cares about the Greens and their global warming crap? Not so long ago they were telling us of a new ice age. Typically these nut eating Peruvian nose flute players haven’t a clue.
Trees need carbon gases to live and to produce oxygen. Surely it is therefore logical to drive a bigger engined car, park up against a tree and rev the bollocks off it. The two advantages are that a) you are saving the planet by feeding a tree, and b) you can gas a tree hugger.

By: brian lofts

brian lofts — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:48:33 +0000

I just wish that FOTA had carried out its threat/pormise to set up a new championship.
What could Max and Benie have done about it! With no teams and no cars they would be out in the cold….with their lawyers of course!!
There are plenty of excellent circuits in Europe and elsewhere and a couple in the US who could host the new series given the opportunity at the right price.
The sooner max and Berne disappear and leave it to those interested in the SPORT and not just making money, the better!

By: pc

pc — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:38:14 +0000

Excellent article and emphasises the loss of focus on the core of F1 – exciting competition between top teams and drivers. FIA (or FOTA for that matter) should be facilitators, no more. When they become the story the objective of racing is diminished.
As a cameo of the point, and considering myself a reasonably experienced GP watcher, at a couple of live grand prix this year I had considerable difficulty in distinguishing between the cars in teams, doubly so when there are 4 Red Bull liveried cars. The number on the front cannot be seen easily. Helmets are low and similar in some cases. Camera pod colour is not good enough for the general public. The simple expedient of a number on the rear wing side plates would make it much easier for the public to see who is where. The loss of advertising revenue does not appear to be an issue for Indycars who present their numbers in that location admirably. Suggest FIA gets that done as something simple and actually productive.

By: mark ryan

mark ryan — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:34:34 +0000

The retirement of Mosley can’t come soon enough, however, until the FIA constitution (or equivalent- I’m at the end of a 14 hour work day) is rejigged to prevent another despot, it will all recur in a few years. Mosley is just Balestre coated in Teflon or vaseline, take your pick.

As to Bernie- a succession plan might be a good idea. If Bernie happens to shuffle off suddenly, imagine the power vacuum which will be created……
it certainly won’t be pretty, and nor will it be brief.

I’d be interested to hear from both as to what the words “best interests of the sport” means to them.
So far, when I check the Thesaurus, neither “Bernie”, nor “Mosley” is mentioned under “sport”.

By: Graham

Graham — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:31:10 +0000

I am glad that FOTA has won this round in the battle to keep F1 racing and other forms of formula as pure as possible. It should be at the cutting edge, and NOT a Max and Bernie road show. It is all about engineering as well as best drivers- that is what keeps us interested.
I am personnally very pleased the way FOTA has seen to protect the sport. Now we want Bernie to be clipped, he has no interest in the motorsport in general, Silverstone was great again this year for the fans, and should never been left.

By: chris brooke

chris brooke — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:07:10 +0000

i have always been puzzled by those who seek to complicate the simplistic things in life- add a small turbo to a fuel retrsicted car, bring back motor racing brains – award 15 points for a win,10 for second – 6 for 3rd down to 1 for 8th- a point for fastest lap – etc etc simple – straightforward no complex egos justifying their personal needs for power, just motor racing, gosh if only politicians would let us live our lives as simply. as for the green lobby – well they have a point, and we as motor racing fans need to listen – all tyres are recycled for instance, air travel minimised – emissions reduced etc – Mr Mosely retires so the climate improves as the hot air disapears. and another vote for Nigel for el presidente – incidentally has Mr Mosely a protege he is ‘grooming’?

By: Rod Hollingsworth

Rod Hollingsworth — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:21:10 +0000

So KERS will disappear along with His Majesty Max, well done FOTA. How about some common sense from Bernie. Yes Bernie you have worked wonders marketing F1 and quite honestly I do not begrudge a single penny you have made out of it as you have also brought riches to most of the others connected with the great sport. The only ones to lose out are of course the people who supply the finance…yes me and the other millions who have followed the sport over the last 60 years. Alas I cannot now afford to take my grandchildren to see the British Grandprix no matter where it will be held. My memories of Silverstone with real sportsmen of the calibre of Moss Fangio Brooks,Hawthorn, Collins(in that order)gave me a passion that has never left me. I later attended many other Grand Prix in Europe funded through Corporate Hospitality but now I am retired the TV and “Motor Sport” are my only contacts, so well done Bernie for TV and well done “Motor Sport”
The Criterior Bernie sets for hosting does not take in the fans enthusiasm.Hot Dogs, dodgy urinals, Beer tents et al were all part of the fun. If Silverstone is to become a Middle or Far East atmosphere lacking showcase for rich”Hooray Henrys” so be it but to the real enthusiast it does not matter a jot. So Mr. Ecclestone if you feel that Silverstone needs to be updated, why not pull a fast one on Gordon Brown and give the required finance to Silverstone, after all when the time comes it will be 50% tax on your estate and whoever is in power they will only blow it on wasters!!Just think the Grandstand could be named after you!!! now would’nt that stick in the craw of Blair Brown and cronies

By: a.eglington

a.eglington — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 13:34:22 +0000

I have watched Grand Prix racing since the mid 1950s and I never thought that I would say ‘Thank God for Moto G.P.’Real men,real racing and no stupid politics.Come on Max and Bernie you have had your time, just disappear into the sunset and try to spend the vast fortunes you have taken from our sport.It may come as a surprise to you both but it’s not you that the fans tune in to watch—it’s the 20 F1 cars and their drivers.

By: Allen Eden

Allen Eden — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 13:06:41 +0000

Darren Galpin comment that if the FIA really wants to encourage green racing, it should slap a fuel limit of say 180 litres per grand prix is a superb idea. It will allow designers and engineers to come up with innovative designs to accomplish this goal and put F1 at the front of technical excellence and pushing the boundaries again.

By: Rob Hookway

Rob Hookway — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 06:59:19 +0000

Don’t limit the amount of fuel per race but do put a limit on fuel flow rate from the tank.
Basically the most powerful engines would be the most efficient users of the fuel.
Wouldn’t that be a suitably satisfying engineering challenge, maintain flat out racing from start to finish and have genuine “green” credentials (if you must have them)?

By: Grahame Ward

Grahame Ward — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 06:44:32 +0000

Why does F1 have to toady to the green/environemnt lobby. The amount of ‘energy” saved with the use of any ‘green’ device is so infintisimal that it is laughable. Forget about all this nonsense and let us have F1 as the pinnacle of auromotive technology that it has become. Incidently Max has passed his use by date – actually he passed it some years ago but we didn’t see it at the time.

By: Richard Chapman

Richard Chapman — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 06:13:37 +0000

Another vote for Nigel as President. I went to Silverstone for the first ever meeting there as a wee lad, F1 has got too expensive for the ordinary Fan, partly down to Bernies greed.
I am a fan of the present/old Donington, the new proposals wont work, even if they can raise the money.
At least Max acheived one thing for the Mosley family, he managed to become a Dictator until unseated.

By: John Read

John Read — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 03:16:38 +0000

Bluey, you are a genius. Vote 1: Nigel Roebuck.

By: Pete (US)

Pete (US) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:01:13 +0000

Bluey: I absolutely agree! The first and most important qualification of the new President must be that is a true lover of motor sports.

But, alas, we may never know. Max is digging in his heels once again, seemingly determined to destroy Formula One by any means necessary. For all of me, I hope FOTA walks. The World Championship means nothing with Max at the healm, so if he stays F1 is already dead. The teams may as well walk and find a way to go racing again.

The British GP at Silverstone was brilliant once again. It made me very sad to think of Max kickin out windows and knockin down walls behind the scenes to bring it all down like Gomorrah.

By: Peter

Peter — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:38:43 +0000

In addition to escaping KER’s we won’t have the spector of spec. engines, gearboxes and chassis. For heavens sake these are not what F1 is about.

By: Peter

Peter — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:36:15 +0000

In addition to escaping KER’s we won’t have the spector of spec. engine,gearboxes and chassis. For heavens sake these are not qhat F1 is about.

By: Jim

Jim — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:04:19 +0000

I love KERS. Perhaps if somebody besides the current admin. introduced it, it may have had a chance to develope properly. My neighbors car has it, wish mine did. I can recall many races where a car couldn’t be overtaken because the lead car had it. One was faster on the straights, the other in the corners. They had to race for the position. RACING IN F1! Who’da thought.

By: Peter Dring

Peter Dring — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:24:44 +0000

In addition to escaping KER’s we also won’t have the spector of spec. engines, gearboxes and chassis. For God’s sake these are NOT F1.

By: Keith Allen

Keith Allen — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:33:56 +0000

Nigel for the FIA? He is going to be very busy as I have him down for the next prime minister!

By: Autotester

Autotester — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:24:31 +0000

Mosley’s KERS?

Kinky
Erotica
Really
Smarts

By: Bluey Gittins

Bluey Gittins — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:40:52 +0000

There is only one answer to the fine mess that the FIA has got itself into and that is for Max to be replaced by Nigel Roebuck! Anybody agree?

By: Davide

Davide — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:25:18 +0000

During the turbo era, those who conserved fuel and added the boast button towards the end of a race added an element of excitement which the several-seconds per lap KERS did not match.

Good riddance to KERS and Mosley. Hopefully the next lot at the helms of FIA can bring around sensible “green” changes.

By: Robin Richardson

Robin Richardson — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:11:35 +0000

Expensive mistake or not, it was Mosley’s idea so was bound to be enshrined in F1 law no matter what the representatives of mere global corporations who were bankrolling all this wanted. His performance in front of the cameras on the Panorama programme and at Silverstone told you all you needed to know about this dispute. Here is a man who’s seems so intent on arguing and winning his case using every cold, calculating, intellectal nuace of fact he can conjure up, that he simply cannot comprehend the damage he is doing to the very thing he says he is trying to protect. How long before we hear the first shots in an orchestrated campaign to get him to stand for election yet again ‘for the good of the sport’? He wouldn’t want to you undertstand, but if everybody says he must……..

As for Ecclestone, his ‘lovable rogue’ approach really has gone too far. Having encouraged Gillet to take absurd financial risks and make commitments to unrealistic timesales by awarding Donington the British GP, only to seemingly renege on that support with no sense of shame whatsoever, he has done who knows what damage to the long term future of a great track that simply didn’t need a GP and no longer has MotoGP either. Terrific! And his feigned surprise when asked about the FOTA announcement was disingenuous bordering on crass. Personally, I wish FOTA had gone ahead, welcomed Williams and Force India back into the fold and then encouraged the likes of Lola and Prodrive to come on board later. Who knows, maybe even Penske could have been persuaded to jump ship to provide the much needed US big gun. Maybe a display of KERS units in Tate Modern alongside the exploding shed exhibit would be a fitting epitaph for this whole sorry chain of events.

By: Ron Gammons

Ron Gammons — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:01:56 +0000

What kudos are designers going to get if they reduce wake turbulance and make their cars easier to be overtaken?
As for the MM about turn what sort of message does this send to sponsors and the outside world, there was a agreement which he was party to, but now because the publicity is bad there isnt an agreement, no wonder some find it difficult to find common ground