19/10/2002
NEWS STORY
Ralf Schumacher is less than impressed with some of the new proposals being put forward in an effort to put some 'excitement' back into F1.
In recent weeks we've heard of driver swapping, weight handicaps, changes to the points system and all manner of other weird and wonderful ideas aimed at stopping the sport's decline. Ralf isn't convinced.
"I think none of them will come but we will wait and see," the WilliamsF1 star told Reuters.
"There are so many teams against it," he added. "So I think they (the FIA) will try to reduce costs more, that's what will come in for next year. Maybe less testing," he added.
With the announcement that Bahrain and China are to be included in the Formula One World Championship from 2004 there is much speculation as to which circuits will be dropped, with Imola, the A1-Ring and Spa Francorchamps being the favourites. The German didn't miss the opportunity to take another swipe at the legendary Belgian circuit.
"I wouldn't miss Spa," he said. "It's just very unstable weather," he continued. "Quite difficult to get to without any traffic jams. I think for the spectators it's just not very good to look at anyway."
That just about sums up contemporary F1 really:
The days that race stewards started the Belgian GP behind the safety car because it was raining, signalled the demise of F1. Fans used to seeing drivers racing in all conditions, including, fog, hail, monsoon and snow, now witness drivers asking for the safety car to be put on alert the moment the heavens open.
As for Spa being 'not very good' for the spectators, well this shows just how out of touch these people really are.
Finally, with the comment about Spa being 'quite difficult' to get to; with his motor-cycle escort and helicopter, what would Ralf know of this? Unlike the fans, who despite the costs, poor conditions, traffic jams and general lack of entertainment, still flock to see their heroes in action at various venues around the world.