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The further clampdown on pit-to-driver radio communications in 2016 will spice up the action. That is the view of a couple of 2016 drivers, after Mercedes chief Toto Wolff this week declared that the incoming rule changes should make the Lewis Hamilton versus Nico Rosberg battle more exciting this year.
Some interpreted his comments sceptically, but German Rosberg agrees that the task for the drivers this year will be more complicated. "We'll have to fend for ourselves in most situations," the Mercedes driver told Brazil's Globo Esporte.
Sauber's Felipe Nasr agrees that the further clampdown on what drivers can be told about the operation of their complex cars will mean the workload increases. "I am studying what my responsibilities are now with the restriction in dialogue with the team," he said. "I believe we will have situations where the driver does not know what to do, as there are several things we can do when there are problems."
So with many believing 2016 will be another Hamilton versus Rosberg showdown at the front, the clampdown could be an advantage for the hardworking Rosberg over the more seat-of-the-pants Hamilton.
"It is getting closer to his now or never period for Nico," F1 veteran David Coulthard told the Sun newspaper. "He has my respect. He is a fast racing driver, but what we are looking for is an exceptional racing driver," the former McLaren and Red Bull driver added. (GMM)
Grand Prix of Belgium
C. Sainz jr
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Replies (2)
Login to replyPompey
Posts: 84
A car should be set up for a complete race. Kill the radio completely, get back to pit boards then if the driver has a problem, tyres, lack of power, he should make an unscheduled pit stop. This would shake things up on track. With LED screens on the steering wheel the driver is still getting information, he can still warn the pits he will be coming in.
f1dave
Posts: 782
No radio links in either direction would make for real racing. Telemetry has ruined racing and turned it into a competition between technicians rather than drivers.