The Formula 1 Promoters Association has met in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss ways of improving Formula 1 and the experience for fans who attend the races, with the main topic up for debate being the new engine sound.
For 2014, the downsize in engines from V8s to turbocharged V6 power units has caused a definite decrease in the volume of the cars. The matter has largely divided opinion, with many supporting the hybrid route that has been taken. It also allows fans to hear the cars locking up under braking and contact being made.
However, Ron Walker, chairman of the Formula 1 Promoters Association and the Australian Grand Prix, made his distaste over the new sound clear at the opening race of the season in Melbourne. He even suggested that the problem was so grave that some promoters may think twice about extending their deals to host Formula 1 grands prix.
Mercedes will test a ‘trumpet’ exhaust system at next weekend’s test in Spain in a bid to improve the sound, but the promoters met with Bernie Ecclestone yesterday to discuss other possible moves.
A statement issued in the paddock today reads:
“A meeting was held on Saturday May 10 2014, between the promoters of the FIA Formula One World Championship, chaired by Ron Walker to discuss various aspects of Formula 1 for the benefit of all fans who are concerned about maintaining the unique feeling of Formula 1. Mr. Ecclestone attended the meeting in support of the promoters. 17 countries were represented.”
It will be interesting to see if anything comes of this meeting, but it is unlikely that the matter that really has riled fans – double points for the final race in Abu Dhabi – will have been addressed.
Three riders remain locked in a tight battle with 17 points separating the leader Cooper Webb from third-place Chase Sexton and these are only a few Supercross numbers to consider entering Seattle.Chase Sexton made a statement in Detroit with his second win of 2023. – Feld Motor Sports
Webb and Tomac won the last four championships with two apiece in alternating years, but they were not one another’s primary rival for most of those seasons. On the average, however, the past four years show an incredible similarity with average points earned of 21.0 for Webb and 21.3 for Tomac. With five wins so far this season, Tomac (23 wins) leads Webb (19) in victories but Webb (43) edges Tomac (41) in podium finishes during this span.
Tomac has won two of the last three Seattle races and those two wins in this stadium are topped only by James Stewart. Fittingly, if Tomac gets a third win this week, he will tie Stewart for second on the all-time wins’ list. Tomac tied Ricky Carmichael for third with 48 wins at Oakland and took sole possession of that spot with his Daytona win.
Sexton still has a lot to say and after winning last week in Detroit, he is speaking up. The Supercross numbers are against him entering Seattle, however, because a points’ deficit this large after Round 10 has been erased only once. In 1983 David Bailey was 47 points behind Bob Hannah, and like Sexton he was also in third place. Bailey took the points’ lead with one race remaining.
The seven points Sexton was penalized last week for jumping in a red cross flag section in Detroit could prove extremely costly.
In fact, it has been a series of mistakes that has cost Sexton the most. In the last two weeks, he lost 10 points with a 10th-place finish to go with his penalty. Erase those, and all three riders hold their fate in their hands.
Plessinger’s heartbreak in Detroit is still fresh, but the upside of his run is that was his best of the season and could turn his fortunes around. Prior to that race, he led only seven laps in three mains. He was up front for 20 laps in Detroit with five of those being the fastest on the track.
Last week’s win by Hunter Lawrence tied him with his brother Jett Lawrence for 17th on the all-time wins’ list. With the focus shifting to 250 West for the next two rounds, Jett has a great opportunity to pull back ahead. The real test will be at the first East / West Showdown in East Rutherford, New Jersey on April 22.
Last Five Seattle Winners
450s 2022: Eli Tomac
2019: Marvin Musquin
2018: Eli Tomac
2017: Marvin Musquin
2014: Ryan Villopoto
