Gentlemen, start your engines.....(F1)

I would agree the oval & circuit racing are very different though I would have to say from having watched both over the years - seconds can be lost and gained in Indy or Cart but seems so much harder to do in F1.. the margin of error between pole and back of the grid is much smaller and cars are less evenly matched - placing more onus on drivers to eak out more from driving skill.

As to driving standard - well cream rises to the top & name one oval racer who wouldn't jump at an F1 seat...those who could actually adapt to proper circuit racing that is..?

Ironically there's a lot I like about American cart racing - mainly because technology lags a couple of years.. more onus is placed on engines, less on pit stop tactics and it is less weighed down by regs introduced for Marketing and obscure Euro safety regulations. I for one would like to see 1 oval-style race on the F1 calendar but then there's a few things (old circuits) I would like to see on the calendar.. it's ok building super high tech circuits over the world but surely not at the expense of our racing heritage tracks throughout Europe & US (ahh Palm beach anyone?)..

Only yesterday (before he stormed off) JPM was saying the FW26 still had a bit to go before it was the fastest out there and wouldn't be surprised if Ferrari was quickest from outset.. that indicates a few things still unresolved from testing.

We know the Renaults have excellent chassis and last season Renault vowed to provide more power for 2004..

For me the FW26 'Hammed Head/Manta Ray'  is a good representation of the BMW car - engine first. Ferrari has a delicate steed - only fitting for the prancing horse - good in every dept but not excelling in any one. Some thought into form rather than 100% function is always evident in the red cars. McLarens probably have the best chassis & technical ability albeit not always the largest budget (I hear Toyota is writing the biggest cheques in their technical devleopment program right now).. & so looks quite clinical, aerodynamic and efficiently made.. Renaults are creative (v. much the Lotus of the hour).. and sometimes have quite unusual fairings & set ups... always willing to experiment.

I for one would like to see more contrasting shapes out on the grid but, alas, modern aerodynamics will rarely permit this.

MB

thepits,

I agree about all the electronic gizmos. F1 cars shouldn't have auto boxes or traction control in my view. Despite this I doubt that driving an F1 car is easy. It's got to be loads harded than driving a car round a big oval!