Charlie Whiting, FIA Formula One Race Director, recently revealed that standing restarts was his and McLaren's idea. Now that World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) has approved the proposal, standing restarts will be introduced in Formula One racing from 2015. And I thought that awarding double points in the last race was ludicrous.
Read more: Changes in Formula One Regulations for 2015 and 2016
Whiting said he, along with 'someone' at McLaren, came up with the aforementioned idea during a discussion about improving the racing championship's 'show-value'. According to him, since the most exciting part of the race is the start, it only made sense to have a 'second start'. Though he says he understands the reason behind the furor, he believes that the added drama will offset the apprehensions.
As if that wasn't enough, he dismissed concerns over the safety of standing restarts, saying that if it was indeed dangerous, one wouldn't even have the start of the race. I don't know where he is going with this, but apparently he doesn't see the harm. He insists this will create the scope for change in positions, and is hell-bent on sticking to his 'it will add excitement' stance.
So, the entertainment value of standing restarts trumps the interruption of the race, possibly on multiple occassions, and also the affect it will have on drivers'concentration. Brilliant stuff, you guys.
Anyway, Daniel Ricciardo also expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision and pointed out that several drivers were unhappy with the idea. I am with you Daniel.
For the latest automotive news and reviews, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
