It was good to see a close finish in the Canadian Grand Prix, but it is a pity that the current aerodynamic characteristics of F1 cars inhibit overtaking, writes CAR deputy editor John Bentley.
When last did Formula One see the first four cars finish nose-to-tail in a battle that went right down to the wire? The combination of the new qualifying regulations and the tyre war between Bridgestone and Michelin continues to deliver exciting strategic contests in a season that is turning out to be the most exciting in years.
But the races would be even better if the overtaking took place out on the track. Hopefully the revised aerodynamic regulations mooted for next season will solve the problem.
The question has been debated for decades, but it’s again being highlighted by this year’s super-competitive situation. And, if something isn’t done about it, fans won back to the sport by the extra touch of unpredictability resulting from the revised qualifying format could soon be turning away once more in frustration.
There was a stalemate at Monaco, a situation that’s always been expected on the tight course through the streets of the principality. But even on Canada’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, a track reputed to offer more overtaking opportunities than most, the problem of running in “dirty” air behind a car with good straight-line speed would appear to be insurmountable.
Once they were up behind Schumacher’s Ferrari, Ralf Schumacher, Juan-Pablo Montoya and Fernando Alonso had little alternative but to keep station in the high-speed train.
That said, Ferrari and Michael Schumacher once again impressed with their tactical skill. The team’s decision to run very little wing, thus giving Schumi’s F2003-GA extra straight-line speed, proved to be a master stroke. The result: yet another win for the German, and a landmark 999 points scored in his career to date. – John Bentley