Ferrari Mailing List: VSC, etc.

[Rick Lindsay (richardolindsay]

Hi Friends,

What are your opinions regarding the Virtual Safety Car system now adopted for 2015? My thoughts are mixed. Ambivalence best describes it.

1. This version of the VSC is a whole-track speed limiter, not just a sector-specific limiter. Is it remote controlled (by Charlie) or by the driver's press of a button, like the pit lane speed limiter?

2. Its still seems to be a remote control device, as presently described, so yet another function is taken from the driver.

3. Is this a good idea or a knee-jerk reaction to Jules' incident?

4. With minimal argument,  the VSC is yet another layer of complexity on cars that are already transformers with meat inside. Is this a good direction for F1?

I agree that safety is important but motorsport is dangerous, almost by definition. Where is the line between acceptable risk and safe? We all know that F1 is an entertainment industry, a circus, but its not a living room video game.

Where in your opinion should the line be drawn? The cars (and driver attitudes) of the '60 and '70s are one extreme but so might be the end-member of the current trend: drivers in ergonomic chairs with carpal tunnel protection using X-Box controllers to run the cars on track! Throw in the green-washing element and the whole visual experience could be computer generated for a zero-carbon footprint. Oops, I digress.

Obviously, neither end-member is correct, just as with this experiment we call life. However,  I would like to hear/read your thoughts on where the line between 'safe' and 'dangerous' should be drawn. Thoughts?

Happy Tuesday, 

-rick