Standards and penalties

[DaveKillens]

To all of those that say that the FIA is pro-Ferrari:

They changed the freaking rules (point scoring system) because they were tired of Ferrari winning too much. Now, I have no problem with dynasties be it Ferrari, which I am a fan, or Williams for instance back in the 90s. But it's quite insane I think to believe that these past two years the FIA have been pro-Ferrari when in the past they have shown not to be. I think the FIA needs a change. I say let them race. But that's just my opinion.

And that's an issue that bothers me. Ferrari, as a team is a large number of hard-working, dedicated craftsmen who pour their heart and soul into the race car. We as fans see only the tip of the tip of the iceberg on race weekend. For every guy we see in the pits on race day, there's over a hundred blokes back in the factory supporting the effort. (same applies to all teams)
And this rule(s) inconsistency swings both ways. There have been decisions that have favored Ferrari, and other decisions that set them back. Back in 1997 after the Jerez race, Schumacher was totally stripped of all points... very, very harsh, even considering the circumstances and actions of Michael.
All drivers try their very best within the framework of the rules, they just sometimes screw up (being human). The pressures are gigantic, and their opponents are crafty, skilled, and courageous.
It pains me to witness such controversies, because it affects everyone. Especially the fans of said team. I commiserate for those fans, because they get caught up in the dirty waste of such decisions. Especially Ferrari, because I believe that although the FIA is sympathetic to them, the race decisions there just to give the red team a boost. It just appears that way. (maybe because Ferrari has such a loud and vocal PR machine...?) The root of the problem is just plain inconsistencies, decisions handed down by a rotating crew that really aren't properly trained for the task.

[pgj]

A sport that has an ambiguous penalty system is asking for trouble. F1 needs a permanent steward for consistency of penalties and as a point of contact for the pitwall during races. F1 also needs a published set of unambiguous penalties for an offence. Having a choice of three possible penalties and leaving it to stewards to decide which one they apply is a nonsense.

[timbo]

And are you really arguing that just because only some circuits have a red and white hatched area that it's purely for decorative reasons? You think that it is both safe and legal to chop right across the pit lane exit without leaving ANY room for cars exiting?

White lines on pit-exit are relatively recent thing. Its main goal is to prevent slowly moving cars exiting pit lane from taking racing line, so it was not a notice for a cars in the race. I also think Charlie Whiting contradicts himself when sating that exiting cars have advantage (he was quoted on the subject somewhere in this forum).

Can you at least agree that regardless of whether Massa should or should not have been penalised, that the FIA should announce that such a move will be punished in future?

If you think such moves should be punished you should start with standartised track markings at first. One thing I agree is that clearer ruling is a must, like that clarification on off-track overtaking.

[myurr]

Can you at least agree that regardless of whether Massa should or should not have been penalised, that the FIA should announce that such a move will be punished in future?

If you think such moves should be punished you should start with standartised track markings at first. One thing I agree is that clearer ruling is a must, like that clarification on off-track overtaking.

Guess we'll have to agree to disagree on the rest, but at least we are in agreement that the rules are not clear and require work. Too bad mad Max won't do anything about it.

[MattF1]

Is anybody sure whether the white lines are part of the track, or not?

[myurr]

Is anybody sure whether the white lines are part of the track, or not?

Pretty darn sure that the track is defined by solid white lines running down either side.

[MattF1]

Maybe I didn't clarify myself enough in the original question.
The white on either side of the track are the boundaries, but are they included in the area defined as the 'track' in the FIA regulations?

I will post a diagram, perhaps this will make it clear what I am asking about.

[myurr]

Maybe I didn't clarify myself enough in the original question.
The white on either side of the track are the boundaries, but are they included in the area defined as the 'track' in the FIA regulations?

I will post a diagram, perhaps this will make it clear what I am asking about.

I see what you're getting at - like in tennis where if the ball touches the line it's considered in. No idea on the answer though.