Is it time for a 'failing to compete' fine / penalty

[Hugh Jarce]

I know I have posted this as a sub-comment on another thread - but its something that is bugging me - so forgive me for starting a new one with this. Perhaps it is worth discussion / talking about.

What if the teams and or drivers were given a very hefty fine or big points deduction is they 'back off' during a race. I know there are rules and sub-rule that could be quoted as being sufficient to cope with this, but why not make it blantently clear as in gee gee racing?

In horse racing this happens if the Stewards (who have the authority) deem a jockey not to have tried his/her best or put the horse at a deliberate disadvantage.

Now, I can anticpate the comments coming:

'How can you tell if it is really happening?'
'What if the engine is cutting out or transmission going?'

TRUE.

But there are tech readouts to prove such things if the accussed wish to clear their name. And, such a rule need only really be applied to prevemnt such obvious team tactics as we saw on Sunday.

I mean something has to be done.

[f1manoz]

This would be hard rule to follow and police as there are many variables that can affect a cars speed, handling etc.

[Red]

Closer to your definition would be a "hypotetical" aliance between 2 teams, like it was suspected a few years back. Or moving over for drivers in other teams. (again, hard to prove)

[Hugh Jarce]

Yes, yes, yes I know! But the same can be said with horse racing.

The old nagg could be having a bad day. The straw may have been of poor quality. The horseshoes may have been badly fitted. The bit on the bridle could be sharp. The jockey could have piles making it difficult to ride hard. The horse could have seen the 'Ferrari Fatties' Todt or Brawn in the crowd and reared in disgust.

I know, I know, I know there are many variables. BUT ... in cases of obvious easing off as Ferrari enforced on Sunday it is plain for all to see.

Rubens slows. Rubens moves over. Michael draws alongside somewhat sheepishly. They seem to find it hard to do the unthinkable. Rubens coasts. Michael coasts but a bit quicker. Michael wins! Any doubts?

Come one guys - get real, despite the times when it would be harder to prove, these disgraceful tactics have to be stamped out. If such a rule were only there to discourage this, it may be worthwhile.

Here ends the sermon!

[Red]

Originally posted by Hugh Jarce
Rubens slows. Rubens moves over. Michael draws alongside somewhat sheepishly. They seem to find it hard to do the unthinkable. Rubens coasts. Michael coasts but a bit quicker. Michael wins! Any doubts?

Of course not, but it's too complicated. It's much easier to ask Rubens, like last year for example. But wanna bet that they wouldn't do that if that was illegal? Actually at their advantage over the 3rd placed man they could even do much drama, each overtaking the other 10 times over the last 15 laps and I bet that everyone would cheer wildly.

[AndyF]

But then Ferrari could have got Barrichello to just happen to run wide onto the grass at the final turn!

[Liz]

Do you think that if Rubens had not moved over, TGF would have rammed him?