Feedback: your letters
Having just returned from Rally GB, I have to give a big thank you to the FIA for getting this formula right.
The cars, both senior and junior R5, sound, look and go great. It’s been years since I’ve been to a rally, but the sight of these projectiles in the way they handle and accelerate reminds me of the Group B days!
Congratulations to Mr Evans, Mr Ogier and M-sport for a job well done. Rob Foden Bromsgrove, Worcestershire
Sticking up for the steward
I am probably the only person who is prepared to stick up for the much maligned “idiot steward” who decided to demote Max Verstappen from a podium position at the US Grand Prix.
On the irrefutable premise that one cannot be ‘a little bit pregnant’, Verstappen quite clearly transgressed the track-limit regulations and gained a significant advantage in doing so.
While the outcome of the decision is unfortunate, it is not fair to ignore the rules or manipulate the result simply for the sake of not spoiling the show. Andy Davey Peebles
One rule for all
On page 24 of last week’s magazine, Article 27.3 of the Sporting Regulations is quoted and clearly sets out the rules in respect of white lines/kerbs. While not agreeing with the decision to deny Max Verstappen a well deserved podium, I can understand the reasoning.
On page 58 we see Joey Foster pulling off a great bit of overtaking around the outside at Paddock to win the Formula Ford Festival, but with all four wheels over the white lines. Vastly different categories, of course, but surely they should be governed by the same rules? Keith Quinnell Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Super idea to boost overtaking
What a telling comment in the first look at the 2019 Super Formula car (Pit+paddock, October 26); ‘the series suffers from a lack of overtaking but this is being addressed by relying more on underfloor aerodynamics than wings to generate downforce’.
Is it conceivable that other single-seat series will take note? In a word… no! It does go to show that some people are prepared to take measures to mitigate the effects of downforce on overtaking. Neil Davey Newport, South Wales
Remember Dijon ’79…
It is just as well that there were no stewards at Dijon in 1979. Villeneuve and Arnoux would have got a lifetime ban! John Simons Bexhill-on-sea, East Sussex
New Daytona date for Alonso
Come on Fernando, never mind sportscars (Pit+paddock, Ocober 26), how about the Daytona 500 next year? I will be there and would be great to see you race the good ol’ boys. Paul Drinkwater By email
Rosberg is sorely missed
As undoubtedly special as he is, Lewis Hamilton has been rather lucky this year without Nico Rosberg defending his title. Rosberg has been derided and disregarded. All world champions have said that they drove better, having got the monkey off their back, the following season and beyond.
Overall, Hamilton was ahead in their head-to-head, but not in the way that he is with Bottas, or Kovalainen at Mclaren. There were many times when Rosberg was untouchable by Hamilton.
It is irrelevant whether Rosberg played mind games, top level sport is all about this. This season could have gone either way between the two had Rosberg stayed on to defend his title, and it’s a real shame for the fans that he didn’t.
Give Rosberg credit – a terrific driver and, for me, a racing fan more than a driver fan, he is sorely missed. Pete Effamy Hampshire