You saw statement made by FIA boss?:
https://mobile.twitter.com/JeanTodt/status/1432707823226474499
Lot of words without saying anything.
For example, why NASCAR can move race to Monday if there is rain and F1 can't. And don't talk about logistics and other stuff when Zandvoort is just 300 km away from Spa.
And if conditions don't let to race, then cancel race instead of making 2 laps farce behind safety car. It's not race. IMO, spectators should get at least partial refund because they didn't saw race.
And after all, maybe it would be better to move Spa race to time of year when there is less rain? Because it seems that end of summer isn't best time to race there.
I think this GP was one of the most disgraceful moments in F1 history. Maybe bigger than Indianapolis 2005.
Topic: Motosport General discussion tread --- Formula1, MotoGP, WTCC, ETCC, DTM..... - page 392. (Read 144131 times)
August 31, 2021, 05:34:39 PM
August 31, 2021, 03:38:28 PM
^You know what is the worst part of all this? Usually whoever wants to defend the situation they are defending it by saying "we couldn't keep the racers on the track, they would have crashed and get hurt!!!" to defend the decision. We all know that it wasn't a problem if they cancelled it, let them cancel the whole thing and be done with it, I am not against that, cancel the whole spa and not even do it, just take them out of the schedule and not do it whole year, have the year one track shorter because of it, everything is fine and we would all welcome it.
However, having 4 hours of waiting plus 2 laps behind safety car is not the solution, that is precisely what we are saying and defending by saying "we protected the drivers" is not the answer, nobody said go out and race, everyone actually said the complete opposite, if you are going to race like this, then don't race at all!
However, having 4 hours of waiting plus 2 laps behind safety car is not the solution, that is precisely what we are saying and defending by saying "we protected the drivers" is not the answer, nobody said go out and race, everyone actually said the complete opposite, if you are going to race like this, then don't race at all!
August 31, 2021, 08:10:16 AM
The actual winner of the Grand Prix? The rain, which should be given the credit for having unmasked for the umpteenth time one of the most corrupt and reprehensible sports federations in the entire world.
Why awarding the victory after two laps with the safety car?
Dear F1, I will switch to go-karts.
Why awarding the victory after two laps with the safety car?
Dear F1, I will switch to go-karts.
This is a good point. The rain actually completed the full race distance; no-one else came close to matching that.
If they'd awarded 25 points to the rain and 18 points to the safety car for a valiant second place (it was leading Verstappen every lap), then the result would have been only slightly more ridiculous than what actually happened.
August 31, 2021, 07:29:58 AM
Just a quick comment on the Spa Grand Prix from me who I considered myself a Formula 1 lover, until yesterday (I think I'll do something else during the races now).
The actual winner of the Grand Prix? The rain, which should be given the credit for having unmasked for the umpteenth time one of the most corrupt and reprehensible sports federations in the entire world.
Why awarding the victory after two laps with the safety car?
Dear F1, I will switch to go-karts.
The actual winner of the Grand Prix? The rain, which should be given the credit for having unmasked for the umpteenth time one of the most corrupt and reprehensible sports federations in the entire world.
Why awarding the victory after two laps with the safety car?
Dear F1, I will switch to go-karts.
Spa Grand Prix Director Vanessa Maes has reached out to fans and said she will be discussing ticket reimbursement options with the FOM in the coming days.
Vanessa Maes: “We at Spa GP regret what happened during the Belgian Grand Prix, for which my team was preparing for a whole year, overcoming all the difficulties. Unfortunately, we cannot influence the weather.
That is not the way you deal with it and no refund can change that.
August 31, 2021, 05:27:01 AM
So in the drivers transfers.
It's all going to depend on the Finnish Kimi Raikonen announcing his retirement for the 2nd time in F1 at Monza.
This going to trigger domino effect where we are going to see Bottas fill in for Raikonen seet at AlphaRomeo and Russel will get the 2nd Mercedes seat next to Hamilton.
And there will be an open spot in Williams.
We know that RedBull are looking for a seat for their young driver Albon but since both teams RedBull and Alphatauri will not see drivers changed for next year they could try to offer him for Williams or Williams could go for Mercedes Formula E champion Nyck de Vries or 34yo German F1 driver Nico Hulkenburg who is currently the reserve driver for Aston Martin.
It's all going to depend on the Finnish Kimi Raikonen announcing his retirement for the 2nd time in F1 at Monza.
This going to trigger domino effect where we are going to see Bottas fill in for Raikonen seet at AlphaRomeo and Russel will get the 2nd Mercedes seat next to Hamilton.
And there will be an open spot in Williams.
We know that RedBull are looking for a seat for their young driver Albon but since both teams RedBull and Alphatauri will not see drivers changed for next year they could try to offer him for Williams or Williams could go for Mercedes Formula E champion Nyck de Vries or 34yo German F1 driver Nico Hulkenburg who is currently the reserve driver for Aston Martin.
August 31, 2021, 02:54:53 AM
This was the "most beautiful" race to watch.I waited like an idiot for 3 or more hours and they came just now to the conclusion that the race will not resume.What a shame for FIA for not racing in the most beautiful circuit of all the calendar,while the conditions were not the best surely they were race conditions.I guess I am not watching the upcoming races at all,as who knows they may suspend them all for just some rain happening.
Sometimes it happens in motorsport and I like these things, I seem to remember a grand Prix in Korea about 10 years ago in which something similar happened.However, the decision to make only two laps behind the safety car I find it wrong, if they wanted to give the points to the drivers in my opinion they would have made a better impression by having at least ten laps giving the impression of "we tried but it was no possible".
Just refund people, then postpone it to another weekend, find a way to do it and I understand even logistics of it is insanely difficult to handle, this is not like some 20+ people going to another nation with a few balls and having a football game there, it is all those cars and people and parts, basically you carry a whole garage to each nation and that's hard, I can understand that, BUT this was not the way neither. Was this a race? How is this a race? How could they let this be counted as a legit race?
The next race is only a jump away in the Netherlands, that would have been to trade in any case but whether it is not more about the money? TV money and tickets, on Monday the race will just follow only a few but would definitely have been the better solution. And it is only about 4 hours to the next GP.
August 30, 2021, 11:54:08 PM
Just a quick comment on the Spa Grand Prix from me who I considered myself a Formula 1 lover, until yesterday (I think I'll do something else during the races now).
The actual winner of the Grand Prix? The rain, which should be given the credit for having unmasked for the umpteenth time one of the most corrupt and reprehensible sports federations in the entire world.
Why awarding the victory after two laps with the safety car?
Dear F1, I will switch to go-karts.
The actual winner of the Grand Prix? The rain, which should be given the credit for having unmasked for the umpteenth time one of the most corrupt and reprehensible sports federations in the entire world.
Why awarding the victory after two laps with the safety car?
Dear F1, I will switch to go-karts.
Spa Grand Prix Director Vanessa Maes has reached out to fans and said she will be discussing ticket reimbursement options with the FOM in the coming days.
Vanessa Maes: “We at Spa GP regret what happened during the Belgian Grand Prix, for which my team was preparing for a whole year, overcoming all the difficulties. Unfortunately, we cannot influence the weather.
August 30, 2021, 10:44:53 AM
This was the "most beautiful" race to watch.I waited like an idiot for 3 or more hours and they came just now to the conclusion that the race will not resume.What a shame for FIA for not racing in the most beautiful circuit of all the calendar,while the conditions were not the best surely they were race conditions.I guess I am not watching the upcoming races at all,as who knows they may suspend them all for just some rain happening.
Sometimes it happens in motorsport and I like these things, I seem to remember a grand Prix in Korea about 10 years ago in which something similar happened.However, the decision to make only two laps behind the safety car I find it wrong, if they wanted to give the points to the drivers in my opinion they would have made a better impression by having at least ten laps giving the impression of "we tried but it was no possible".
Just refund people, then postpone it to another weekend, find a way to do it and I understand even logistics of it is insanely difficult to handle, this is not like some 20+ people going to another nation with a few balls and having a football game there, it is all those cars and people and parts, basically you carry a whole garage to each nation and that's hard, I can understand that, BUT this was not the way neither. Was this a race? How is this a race? How could they let this be counted as a legit race?
August 30, 2021, 08:46:32 AM
This was the "most beautiful" race to watch.I waited like an idiot for 3 or more hours and they came just now to the conclusion that the race will not resume.What a shame for FIA for not racing in the most beautiful circuit of all the calendar,while the conditions were not the best surely they were race conditions.I guess I am not watching the upcoming races at all,as who knows they may suspend them all for just some rain happening.
I feel for those people we were actually there at the track waiting under the rain for the race to start. I’m pretty sure many of them traveled all the way across Europe to there... Some with their families. Sucks cos it would’ve been near to see a possible Russell podium, a real one, in that kind of race condition.
August 30, 2021, 07:39:43 AM
Just a quick comment on the Spa Grand Prix from me who I considered myself a Formula 1 lover, until yesterday (I think I'll do something else during the races now).
The actual winner of the Grand Prix? The rain, which should be given the credit for having unmasked for the umpteenth time one of the most corrupt and reprehensible sports federations in the entire world.
Why awarding the victory after two laps with the safety car?
Dear F1, I will switch to go-karts.
The actual winner of the Grand Prix? The rain, which should be given the credit for having unmasked for the umpteenth time one of the most corrupt and reprehensible sports federations in the entire world.
Why awarding the victory after two laps with the safety car?
Dear F1, I will switch to go-karts.
August 30, 2021, 07:27:36 AM
Marques looked like he lost traction with the front, but was it due to Jorge Martin nudging him? When I watched it again it looked like Martin was pretty close, and Marques didn't look like he was leaning that hard. The announcers said went wide, but it looked to me that was the line he was riding. They were just so close to each other. I'm glad no one was hurt, but it was funny to see Marques hold onto the bike. It looked like he wanted to buck back on.
It is typical Marquez because he is the most aggressive rider in MotoGP, sometime mistake happens and it is a common thing to have such accident in the race. Good thing is Marquez admits that it was completely his fault and he apologized to Martin and Pramac Ducati for the accident. Glad that they both got no significant injuries as well as not affecting other riders.
August 30, 2021, 03:59:55 AM
There is no rival for Quartararo to win. He drove himself ahead. Marquez fell, he tried to overtake Martin but they bumped and slipped together. Unfortunately Rossi had to finish in 18th position, the podium seemed impossible at the end of his retirement.
Interesting race, Marquez is very ambitious to get a podium but crashes on 1st lap. I don't know what Martin feeling, that was very brutal, he did twice!. I don't surprise, Quartararo has deserved at the beginning, he fast from 4st lap and step by step to 1st lap, he fast in turning and can't be prevented until the finish.
And, a new history was created by the Aprilia team, this is the first time Aprilia got the podium on MotoGP. But, almost lost on the last lap when Mir passing him. Fortunately, Espargaro was able to go through it again until the finish. congrats!.
Quartararo has done very cleanly and has also learned from last year I think, if he does not have the speed he goes on the safe side and gets the points and no longer necessarily fights for the victory in a world championship is consistency (like Mir last year) and not to win the races at all costs, yesterday he was clearly faster and has used the momentum and extended the world championship lead. It will be hard to beat him, but there are still a few races where a lot can happen.
Marquez is currently not on the height (and I'm not sure if he will again, the 9th title moves into the distant future) and has been after Spielberg again at fault, maybe he should get a penalty once when you clear the other drivers.
Rossi had yesterday unfortunately a very bad tire management and has the medium rear tire really burned.
The posium place for Aprilia and Aleix was long overdue and deserved. Congratulations.
August 30, 2021, 03:20:34 AM
After restart of race (I don't know how I should call it, so I say restart) for me it looked like there is significantly less water on track and it would be possible to race, but FIA knows better probably.
I think it was okay for the lead car, and not too bad for the others trailing behind in the spray... but they were driving cautiously and at low speeds behind the safety car. A race at full speed is completely different, particularly the idea of getting close enough to overtake someone. I think they made the right call in abandoning the race. However the two lap procession to award points was stupid.I only feel sorry for spectators in track who spent big money for tickets and spent whole day in cold, rain and mud and didn't saw race after all.
I think a lot of that two lap farce was to ensure they fulfilled contractual obligations by technically holding a race, with points awarded and a podium finish. Clearly absurd. I really hope the spectators get their money back, and aren't shortchanged on a technicality. 
August 29, 2021, 09:49:17 PM
There is no rival for Quartararo to win. He drove himself ahead. Marquez fell, he tried to overtake Martin but they bumped and slipped together. Unfortunately Rossi had to finish in 18th position, the podium seemed impossible at the end of his retirement.
Interesting race, Marquez is very ambitious to get a podium but crashes on 1st lap. I don't know what Martin feeling, that was very brutal, he did twice!. I don't surprise, Quartararo has deserved at the beginning, he fast from 4st lap and step by step to 1st lap, he fast in turning and can't be prevented until the finish.
And, a new history was created by the Aprilia team, this is the first time Aprilia got the podium on MotoGP. But, almost lost on the last lap when Mir passing him. Fortunately, Espargaro was able to go through it again until the finish. congrats!.
August 29, 2021, 05:50:05 PM
He's definitely running away with the points; 65 points ahead of the field, and what a dominant performance today.
Tragic finish DNF for Marquez, and a disappointing finish for Rossi. Rossi had been up to 6th spot, and a podium looked possible for a few seconds there.
Marques looked like he lost traction with the front, but was it due to Jorge Martin nudging him? When I watched it again it looked like Martin was pretty close, and Marques didn't look like he was leaning that hard. The announcers said went wide, but it looked to me that was the line he was riding. They were just so close to each other. I'm glad no one was hurt, but it was funny to see Marques hold onto the bike. It looked like he wanted to buck back on.
August 29, 2021, 05:04:12 PM
This was the "most beautiful" race to watch.I waited like an idiot for 3 or more hours and they came just now to the conclusion that the race will not resume.What a shame for FIA for not racing in the most beautiful circuit of all the calendar,while the conditions were not the best surely they were race conditions.I guess I am not watching the upcoming races at all,as who knows they may suspend them all for just some rain happening.
Sometimes it happens in motorsport and I like these things, I seem to remember a grand Prix in Korea about 10 years ago in which something similar happened.
However, the decision to make only two laps behind the safety car I find it wrong, if they wanted to give the points to the drivers in my opinion they would have made a better impression by having at least ten laps giving the impression of "we tried but it was no possible".
August 29, 2021, 02:17:28 PM
This ''race'' didn't left good impression. Waiting more than 3 hours just to see few laps behind safety car- was it really neccessary? If forecast showed rain all time, did they really had to wait so long to make decision?
After restart of race (I don't know how I should call it, so I say restart) for me it looked like there is significantly less water on track and it would be possible to race, but FIA knows better probably.
Looser of race -Perez. Crash when race didn't even started and you're just goingto start is something...
I only feel sorry for spectators in track who spent big money for tickets and spent whole day in cold, rain and mud and didn't saw race after all.
After restart of race (I don't know how I should call it, so I say restart) for me it looked like there is significantly less water on track and it would be possible to race, but FIA knows better probably.
Looser of race -Perez. Crash when race didn't even started and you're just goingto start is something...
I only feel sorry for spectators in track who spent big money for tickets and spent whole day in cold, rain and mud and didn't saw race after all.
August 29, 2021, 01:02:34 PM
The only good thing today, Verstappen was able to reduce his gap to Hamilton, everything else a joke, 2 laps behind the safety car? They were only good so they could give out points and not have to give the fans their race day ticket money back, there was a race.
If you can't race because of security, then they should just cancel it or hold it on Monday?
If you can't race because of security, then they should just cancel it or hold it on Monday?
I actually think awarding points in the way they did was a joke, too. If you can't hold the race, and you can't postpone it or reschedule it, then just give half points based on qualifying order, and forget about sending the cars out. The idea of having a "race" which is a two lap procession behind the safety car, then everyone back into the pits again, is absolutely ridiculous. By all means give Max first place, Russell second, Hamilton third etc, because that's where they qualified and that's what they deserve... but don't send them out for two laps and call it a race! I think the sport made itself a laughing stock today.
August 29, 2021, 12:54:05 PM
This was the "most beautiful" race to watch.I waited like an idiot for 3 or more hours and they came just now to the conclusion that the race will not resume.What a shame for FIA for not racing in the most beautiful circuit of all the calendar,while the conditions were not the best surely they were race conditions.I guess I am not watching the upcoming races at all,as who knows they may suspend them all for just some rain happening.
That definitely was weird to watch today and also not not really a highlight of the FIA and it's communication and handling of the situation today. I understand that they tried as much as possible to make the race happen today because there is a huge effort in terms of costs and logistics involved to not race today but maybe in the next few days. I also think that the race would have started today if lando norris would have not crashed yesterday, because of that everyone was looking at the FIA today. Just imagine the race would have started during the heavy rain and then a crash happens that would have lead to an injury or worse. The 2 lap race behind the safety car just to let the race count was a total joke though.
August 29, 2021, 12:46:33 PM
The only good thing today, Verstappen was able to reduce his gap to Hamilton, everything else a joke, 2 laps behind the safety car? They were only good so they could give out points and not have to give the fans their race day ticket money back, there was a race.
If you can't race because of security, then they should just cancel it or hold it on Monday?
If you can't race because of security, then they should just cancel it or hold it on Monday?
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