03/04/2014
NEWS STORY
Amidst growing dissatisfaction with the new formula that is F1, Fernando Alonso has called for patience.
At a time when his own team has conducted a survey which suggests that 83% of those that participated are "disappointed" with the new formula - a conclusion which somehow fits in with (team president) Luca di Montezemolo's pre-season fears - Alonso has called on fans to give things a chance to sort themselves out.
"We need to try to do a better show but we need to think in which way and give the new races more time," he told reporters ahead of this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix.
"We've only had two (races)," he continued. "There will be some exciting races and some boring ones.
"Some (football) matches you watch are 0-0 and it's a terrible match and then the next week you see 5-4 and enjoy the game so much. We are all waiting for this exciting race that everyone hopefully enjoys and we see this weekend if we can put something better."
Ignoring the fact that a 0-0 match can often be more exciting than a match ending 5-4, the fact is that the sport's powers-that-be are concerned. With no TV figures made available there is concern that despite the best efforts of commentators - who repeatedly tell fans that the new formula will grow on them - fans are voting with their remotes. Indeed, Pitpass admits that in terms of unique users it experienced a 35% drop off between the season opening Australian Grand Prix and the Malaysian event.
Whether it be the engine noise - or lack of it - the new rules which see drivers needing to conserve various aspects of their cars, the inconsistent application of penalties or the fact that Mercedes has dominated both races, the reality is that many fans are unimpressed. So much so that Bernie Ecclestone and (FIA president) Jean Todt will be meeting with team bosses in Bahrain this weekend.
"I don't think they will make a great change or make a great difference compared to what they have now," said Alonso. "If they allowed some more fuel in the cars that are fast, they will be even faster. And the cars that are slow will be a little bit less slow. It's not that we will see the Marussia or the Caterham, with all respect, winning the race."
Fact is, how can a global sport have got it so utterly wrong that just two rounds into a season that has witnessed the biggest raft of changes in its history the powers-that-be are already considering making changes.
As Glen 'Crompo' Crompton suggested in the latest Pitpass podcast, it appears we were sold a pup.
Check out our Thursday gallery, here.
Chris Balfe