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Hermann Tilke defends Abu Dhabi layout after dull finale

Published on 27 Nov 2017 14:09
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By: Rob Veenstra

Hermann Tilke has defended the Abu Dhabi layout after a processional 2017 finale. Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko said after Sunday's race: "It was one of the worst races I can remember."

"Hamilton was probably faster than Bottas and Max was faster than Raikkonen, but as soon as they got close they could not follow anymore. We have to think about the layout of the tracks," he is quoted by Germany's Sport1.

Also to blame are the faster cars of 2017 featuring more downforce, but world champion Lewis Hamilton agreed: "I think they've got to change this track." Mercedes boss Toto Wolff agrees: "The race was not very spectacular. The championship is over and that plays a role, but with the new regulations, these cars are incredibly difficult to overtake."

When faced with the criticisms, track designer Tilke said adopting Marko and Hamilton's suggestions and changing the track "would not have changed anything". "In this race, the faster cars were ahead of the slower ones so there is no overtaking. But that's certainly not the fault of the track."

However, he said he is open to talking about how Abu Dhabi might be tweaked so that overtaking is easier. "We will certainly discuss this further," he said. "I already have a small idea about changing one corner that will probably have a big effect." (GMM)

xoya

Posts: 583

It's just a BS track, like most of his designs. And it's not just the track, but the location as well. We need more track/location combinations like Spa and Sepang.

1
Nov 27 2017 - 15:27

F1 News Valtteri Bottas Lewis Hamilton Kimi Räikkönen Mercedes

Replies (14)

mcbhargav

Posts: 1,332
there has to be some truth in his inability, after years of consistent criticisms.
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- Nov 27 2017 - 15:01
xoya

Posts: 583
It's just a BS track, like most of his designs. And it's not just the track, but the location as well. We need more track/location combinations like Spa and Sepang.
- + 1
- Nov 27 2017 - 15:27
- RenaultFM1
  
  Posts: 100
  I was at Sepang this year and it is such a shame they bailed out.
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  Nov 28 2017 - 00:17
mbmwe36

Posts: 533
Some of the blame should also fall in the cars.
I watched both F2 races, and for the most part was pretty entertained, with quite a few nice overtakings.
That being said, I don't like that this track is the final track of the calendar. Both because we've seen a lot of boring races here, not to mention it looks like a test track, and because the winners don't get champagne. It's a small thing, but it's still a tradition, so it feels kind of weird, especially with it being the final race of the season.
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- Nov 27 2017 - 16:49
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  Thats why Im still vouching for the DRS to remain, at least as long as the current problem remains. If we remove it, there'll literally be no way to overtake already hard to overtake cars like the Mercedes powered maniacs.
  
  I understand why the winners in F1 dont get champaign anymore, its an arab country and its against their traditions, but they really should've thought of that before setting it there. IMO, as you say, Im not too fond of this track. The exit of the pits is the only really cool thing about this track. But where money is, Eccie is, and where Eccie is, F1 is. Or was, I guess. I hope Liberty will take a... liberty, uhuhuh... and change the final venue. Surely there must be a decent paying AND fun track around?
  + 0
  
  Nov 27 2017 - 20:44
- mbmwe36
  
  Posts: 533
  I'm not minding DR'S in the current incarnation. Well, I'm not minding it THAT much, anyway. It seems that on most tracks it gives that little extra oomph, where it's not a straight drive by, but still makes it possible to overtake.
  
  I know that's the reason why they don't do it, and it is what it is. It's just unfortunate that it happens to be at the final race, ruining the moment a little bit.
  
  The pit exit is definitely pretty cool, although it would've been a bit of a nightmare had Sainz crashed in the tunnel due to his wheel being loose. Not the easiest place to move a damaged car.
  
  You'd think that they could strike a deal with another, better suited track for the final race. But for all we know, they could be paying an utterly ridiculous amount to host the final race of the season.
  + 0
  
  Nov 27 2017 - 20:57
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  I certainly didnt mind it this year. Yeah, IMO it was perfected this year, just a slight boost. True about the pit exit, Im surprised that nothing like that has happened as of yet. Still, I wish more pits had some kind of unique thing. Then again, its pretty disappointing when the only good thing about a track is it's pit exit. I've actually read a claimed sum once, and if that sum was true then yes, it is ridiculous, but then again this is an oil state.
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  Nov 28 2017 - 06:31
calle.itw

Posts: 8,527
It was sadly a trademark race for the last half of this season. This is the final race, this should be where they burn it all. Yet here they come, tired and worn, and with scarce spare parts. The track's design doesnt help either. I think this was an okay first season for a new regulation (I mean remember the shit show that was 2014?), but certainly there are improvements they need to make.
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- Nov 27 2017 - 20:46
- mbmwe36
  
  Posts: 533
  That awkward moment where Le Mans has become a 24 hour sprint, and F1 is Boye low a 90 minute endurance race. Something doesn't compute.
  
  Like you said, the first half wasn't bad, but that was probably due to in part that the teams were still adjusting to the new rules. Once we reached the break, focus was probably in large part shifted to the 2018 car, thus making everything a little more static.
  + 1
  
  Nov 27 2017 - 21:03
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  Yup, this year was a decent endurance year, but F1 wasnt optimal. Then again, IMO 2016 was a really good year, aside from the utter Mercedes dominance, so it was hard to top, and the new regulations probably worsened the racing, but still. Hope 2018 will get better.
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  Nov 28 2017 - 06:33
RogerF1

Posts: 501
By the look of the place no one will match the money to get the race moved.
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- Nov 27 2017 - 22:15
ajpennypacker

Posts: 2,475
The track is fine. We've had great races here. The car's aero has always been the problem. It's baffling that even though everyone is aware of that fact, that nothing has changed in 12 years to fix it. Yes, they could tweak this track in a couple of areas, but that's not the issue.
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- Nov 27 2017 - 22:55
Barron

Posts: 625
They could put in a couple of laybys with a burger vanor something (strictly Halal of course) or maybe a veggie option for the more picky drivers. That would make overtaking a bit easier if they had to stop for a snack break..
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- Nov 28 2017 - 12:08
- RogerF1
  
  Posts: 501
  Superb, nice line of thinking. Engage with fans, sign a few autographs at the same time.
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  Nov 28 2017 - 18:58