The slip between the cup and the lip

This season is undoubtedly about Standard ECU i.e. no traction control and engine braking. It was so apparent at this past weekend Australian Grand Prix that saw numerous crashes and spins caused by driver error.

What after Massa claiming that this regulation is a step back in terms of safety. Practice, qualifying, and the race were so exciting to watch, seeing car after car after car sliding their way through corners and the drivers using their own skill to get through rather than relying on the car to do it for them.

Although some excitement was lost at the Australian Grand Prix because so few cars remained near the end, I welcomed the return of pure driving skill where a pass is skill, and a spin is driver error. Based on driver interviews over the winter, many drivers entrance into this 2008 season has exposed their apparent naivety and/or refusal to respect a new driving style.

The most well known of the bunch has to be Kimi Raikkonen who had 2 off road excursions simply caused by his over aggression and his lack of attention. His drive through the gravel trap after a high speed entrance into a corner to me is an indication he failed to grasp the full meaning of no driver aids. This despite his off season remarks that the new standard ECU would really not affect him.
On the other hand, Timo Glock’s ‘off‘, again the result of the lack of driver aids could have been a very serious incident. It is time for drivers to stop talking the talk and start walking the walk.

I hope this past grand prix is an exception to what will really take place in future races, but if I can take anything away from it, will be that I can be assured of a lot of new excitement and not the usual top 10 leader board every race.