Comments on 'Controversies at Fuji - Part 2' on F1 Insight

Comment by Craig

01/10/2007 17:24:48

I knew as soon as Vettel took Webber out, that you would be busy writing up a post on the subject - as Scott Speed's number one fan, it's your duty! ;) To be honest I couldn't believe it when it happened, but I think that handing him a 10-place penalty is incredibly harsh - surely noone can justify that. Now he has calmed down and stopped swearing, maybe even Mark Webber thinks it a bit harsh too. I hate comparing drivers, as it's impossible to compare like with like as there are just so many variables. To say Lewis Hamilton is the best rookie ever is not really fair on other drivers - he has had a car advantage (how good would Schumacher or Alonso have been in their first year if they had been in this year's McLaren?) so I don't think it fair to compare Speed with Vettel either. At the end of the day, the record books are what remain, so as Hamilton is going to win the championship in his first year then he will be regarded as the best, in the same way as the record books will judge Scott Speed - no matter what those who actually saw him race thought of him as a driver. All in all, Japan was an enjoyable race - except for the safety car start which deprived usof the best part of any race!

Comment by Clive

01/10/2007 17:32:10

You're absolutely right, Craig, and the only reason I continue to mention Speed is because others do. It's unfair to compare Vettel's record with Speed's, just as it is unfair to say things like Scott was out of his depth in F1 (as I've seen on other websites). But, as you say, it's my duty to continue to point out the facts when others disparage Speed. It was a personality clash that did for his chances in F1 and nothing to do with performance.

Comment by chunter

02/10/2007 05:16:59

I wish Scott Speed had not gone to stock cars; it does not suit him. He should consider moving to sportscar/endurance racing as soon as possible. I agree that Vettel's penalty is symbolic. Yes, Vettel earned his trip to Q1 at Fuji, but don't kid yourself; the odds of the feat being repeated in the last races are slim. Next year, things will be different.

Comment by Clive

02/10/2007 09:36:17

I think the only reason Scott is going to NASCAR is that Red Bull wants him there, Chunter. You're right, it doesn't suit him and he would be better off in sportscar or endurance races if he can't get a drive in an open wheel series. Even so, it will be interesting to see how he gets on in NASCAR. As for Vettel, I hope the kid does well but he has a lot going against him in the STR team.

Comment by Dan M

02/10/2007 15:30:16

I would have liked to see Scott take Sab's seat in Champ Car, I know its not a popular series any more but it might have given it a little more exposure. Plus that would give us a way to somewhat gauge his ability to the Fab Sab pairing.

Comment by Clive

02/10/2007 15:44:13

As good as a direct comparison - brilliant idea, Dan. Now if only we could persuade Red Bull...

Comment by John

03/10/2007 02:33:54

Listening to talk here in the US I was fairly certain that Speed would end up in an Indy car. So my surprise was genuine. It saddend me also, here is a very talented open wheel racer who had a conflict of personalities. It is fairly safe to say that the equipment he had in F1 was not up to par. Going to NASCAR was not the correct decision for him. Money had everything to do with this. The pits are not so friendly in NASCAR between teams and he will have a rough time as Montoya is. Not to many drivers like the skills of Montoya. NASCAR is a completely different form of racing. Touching and grinding are part of the game. I think that is the reason that I do not particularly enjoy the sport. Something unsuffisticated about it. Scott Speed is a F1 jockey he needed to stay even if he would be a test driver for another team. Tough break for us F1 fans especially the American ones.

Comment by Clive

03/10/2007 02:51:59

Agreed, John, Speed has always just wanted to be in F1. But he's committed to Red Bull and NASCAR was where they wanted him.

Comment by Number 38

04/10/2007 01:00:33

John's comment above, "(in NASCAR) .... touching and grinding are part of the game." I'll have to invite him to some local kart tracks here, 'team play' means three cars follow nose to tail forming a wall and the forth car slingshots past on the inside SLIDING along the wall. Some call it "trading paint". My car is lily WHITE and shall remain that way! Scott Speed.......well WE would have been happier to see hm in an open wheel car but maybe $$$ had something to do with his particular move. Montoya hasn't done that badly in the big cars he's currently about 19th in a field of 50+ plus NASCAR drivers. Again the car plays a part also.

Comment by Clive

04/10/2007 01:10:39

I'm sure that money had everything to do with Speed's move to NASCAR, Number 38. When Red Bull are picking up the tab, you do as they ask. ;)

Comment by Midnight2day

15/08/2011 05:54:15

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