Your Reject of the Race - Valencia!

[fjackdaw]

Winner:
Fan Expectations: This race would be among the best of most previous years, but yet has been slated by many 'fans'.

You have to take these things in the context of the season/current regs, though. Comparing a DRS/Pirelli race alongside any non-DRS/Pirelli race isn't comparing like with like. It's a whole different set of rules and circumstances, with expectations adjusted accordingly. A DRS/tyre degradation overtake just doesn't have the value of a standard racing overtake, so while Valencia this year may well have had more overtakes than previous seasons, it was still characteristically processional in comparison to other races run under the same rules.

Thanks for the 'fans' in inverted commas. Being a fan doesn't mean slavish enjoyment no matter what.

[shinji]

Winner:
Fan Expectations: This race would be among the best of most previous years, but yet has been slated by many 'fans'.

You have to take these things in the context of the season/current regs, though. Comparing a DRS/Pirelli race alongside any non-DRS/Pirelli race isn't comparing like with like. It's a whole different set of rules and circumstances, with expectations adjusted accordingly. A DRS/tyre degradation overtake just doesn't have the value of a standard racing overtake, so while Valencia this year may well have had more overtakes than previous seasons, it was still characteristically processional in comparison to other races run under the same rules.

Thanks for the 'fans' in inverted commas. Being a fan doesn't mean slavish enjoyment no matter what.

Here here.

[resir014]

The circuit of course.

In fact, I didn't gave a damn about today's race and kept watching the Nurburgring 24 hours till the end.

[Captain Hammer]

My Reject of the Race is Pastor Malcolm Donado. He had a shaky start, but has shown some promise of late ... until today, when he was back in the USSR. Though he did provide the only moment of entertainment in an unusually-flat BBC presentation (it's not their fault; they didn't have anything to work with) when he spun at the first corner.

[Ed24]

You have to take these things in the context of the season/current regs, though. Comparing a DRS/Pirelli race alongside any non-DRS/Pirelli race isn't comparing like with like. It's a whole different set of rules and circumstances, with expectations adjusted accordingly. A DRS/tyre degradation overtake just doesn't have the value of a standard racing overtake, so while Valencia this year may well have had more overtakes than previous seasons, it was still characteristically processional in comparison to other races run under the same rules.

Thanks for the 'fans' in inverted commas. Being a fan doesn't mean slavish enjoyment no matter what.

OK, but I don't think this race was even that boring even compared to some of this year's races. We had 3 cars within 5 seconds for much of the race. There were some great midfield battles and a range of different strategies used. I think the TV direction could have made it a lot more exciting.

I'd say this race was in the same league as at least Australia, Malaysia and Turkey this year.

I did also say 'many' of the fans, not all. Some people, most of whom are not on this forum are really on the bandwagon, and don't appreciate how lucky they are to get good racing this year.

[Collieafc]

I am going to nominate Fernando Alonso.

This may seem strange in light of his best result this year. BUT my reasoning? Because of his success in formula 1, it means we have to put up with Valencia in the first place!
(And means the track itself isnt being constantly blamed, though it is boring)

[dinizintheoven]

i nominate reliabilty......

Curse and damn you for getting in there first.

This year, we had DRS, we had KERS, we have the Pirelli tyres that shred themselves to pieces if a driver so much as looks at them, and for the last couple of races we've had Lewis Hamilton driving like a lunatic. And the result? 24 cars started, 24 cars finished, and you'd think that on such a circuit where on a "straight" the wall that the driver is closest to flashes from one side of the track to the other, at least one of them would have binned it into the wall, or rammed an opponent into it and taken them both out, or that at least one tyre might have exploded and taken the suspension out, or there'd be some kind of hydraulic or electronic failure - but no, that last one just had to happen in qualifying, didn't it...

Oh well... roll on Silverstone, and we'll see what happens there.

As a mildly facetious nomination, I will call my Reject of the not-quite-Race-but-the-bit-in-between-it-and-the-last-one whoever had the brilliant idea to postpone the new engine regulations to 2014. It seems unlikely there'll be any hope of a changing of the guard at the front of the pack until these new regulations are in place, and the way Red Bull are going, I'd say this has probably handed Sebastian Vettel four consecutive World Championships on a silver plate (2010-2013) as opposed to only three. I'm almost tempted to go down to Ladbrokes and see what odds they'll give me, so at least then I could join in DonTirri in cheering him on.

[AdrianSutil]

I could vote for the track, but as everyone else has I'm voting for the backmarker. Some of them (HRT I'm looking at you) took up to 4 or 5 corners to move over, this is when the leaders were right with them.

[Ed24]

I think there is still a big list of aerodynamic changes due for 2013, although these may be postponed now

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/formula_one/13326363.stm

I don't think that even new engine rules will stop Vettel and Red Bull. As long as Newey's there, he will be extremely hard to beat.

[dinizintheoven]

I don't think that even new engine rules will stop Vettel and Red Bull. As long as Newey's there, he will be extremely hard to beat.

Depressing, isn't it? Still, I kept the faith throughout the Schumacher years... I expect to be rewarded again circa 2016/17 or so.

Actually, I thought of a Reject Of The Race: Hispania's fanboys. Those who laughed at Custard when he DNQed in Canada and screamed blue murder when that DNQ was overturned, and at the end of the race chorused "Ha ha!" (Nelson Muntz style) "We've overtaken the Virgins now, next stop Fondmetal Team Malaysia before the end of the season!" Freak result, that was. Back in normal conditions, with no rain and no safety cars, they've finished a lap behind the Virgins. You know, those that are supposed to be the worst F1 cars ever made ever ever ever. Irritatingly, though, that freak result in Canada will probably still see Hispania finish 11th in the championship.

[eagleash]

I'd have to agree with the consensus that the track was the worst culprit here today, since it is completely anodyne - even some of Tilke's more unpopular tracks have at least some distinguishing feature, such as a notable corner or some other unique challenge. This, though, has no memorable features apart from a lot of concrete barriers and garishly painted walls - give it a week and I bet that most of you won't be able to remember the layout, since it is completely forgettable.

Does go over a bridge though.

[RAK]

Valencia Street Circuit: At Monaco, a circuit which is tighter and more difficult to drive than this one, we still saw one hell of a battle for first place going on until the big pile-up, along with a few significant overtakes elsewhere on the track. I don't mind a low number of overtakes if there's at least a decent bit of battling going on, but I don't think that Valencia can offer that. The track simply isn't very good for close racing, and is arguably the least interesting in Formula One. It's also not a particularly distinctive track, with its concrete barriers and such, and there's really not all that much to remember different parts of the track by, aside from the bridge section. I'd actually have the race at Caesar's Palace again over this track.

The battle for the lead: Petered out towards the end. Vettel dominant again, which I don't actually mind that much, but frankly, when all of the fight for first place seems to be happening in the pits, it's not exactly what you're going to refer to as a classic race.

Narain Karthikeyan: I reserve the right to retract this in case he had some sort of car trouble, but he was pretty damned far behind even Liuzzi, even taking into account his unfamiliarity with the circuit.

[Peter]

Defending my contention for RoTR by saying, this race wasn't that bad. It lacks the last lap fights for the win we've seen the past races, but nevertheless, it was the best Valencia race ever, and i'd rate it even higher than some races last year. Worst race this season, yes, but come on, in a season with more passes per race than ever before, it stands no chance.

[golic_2004]

The racetrack itself. What a bore. It needs to be cut off the schedule next year for another track or another country.

[Frentzen127]

I'd have to agree with the consensus that the track was the worst culprit here today, since it is completely anodyne - even some of Tilke's more unpopular tracks have at least some distinguishing feature, such as a notable corner or some other unique challenge. This, though, has no memorable features apart from a lot of concrete barriers and garishly painted walls - give it a week and I bet that most of you won't be able to remember the layout, since it is completely forgettable.

Does go over a bridge though.

So does Suzuka.
In Valencia all you see is Spain.

[DonTirri]

The Circuit

BORING BORING BORING BORING BORING.

I was hoping for the new regulations to spice up the racing like it has on all other tracks... but apparently Borencia is unimprovable.

WHO DO I NEED TO SHOOT TO GET THIS GARISH PIECE OF shite OFF THE CALENDAR?

[Bleu]

My humurous vote for the timing beam at the pit exit. Showing that driver drops...3rd...4th...5th...6th...no he rejoins in 4th!

[Barbazza]

Another vote for the circuit.

And the BBC. Yes, we know that pit and paddock used to be fish markets because you told me 5 MINUTES AGO! And you'll tell me again in a bit.
Also, do we have to have all the pre-race chat in the pit lane? There were times today where is was completely irritating. Yesterday was pretty bad too. Guys, you don't need to go there to chat just because it looks good, you don't have to prove you're there.

(Not that I want the Beeb to lose the coverage you understand!)

[Priceless]

My three nominations, as usual:

3rd: Michael Schumacher - Among those who finished unusually low, he was the only one to have done so by his own mistake.
2nd: Valencia Circuit - Many here said that the race was boring, and I agree.
1st: Narain Karthikeyan - In a race where all cars finished, he not only finished last, but almost got lapped by Liuzzi who came second last in the same car - and to top it off, shown off how not to behave when being lapped yet again.

[Peter]

I don't think that even new engine rules will stop Vettel and Red Bull. As long as Newey's there, he will be extremely hard to beat.

Depressing, isn't it? Still, I kept the faith throughout the Schumacher years... I expect to be rewarded again circa 2016/17 or so.

Actually, I thought of a Reject Of The Race: Hispania's fanboys. Those who laughed at Custard when he DNQed in Canada and screamed blue murder when that DNQ was overturned, and at the end of the race chorused "Ha ha!" (Nelson Muntz style) "We've overtaken the Virgins now, next stop Fondmetal Team Malaysia before the end of the season!" Freak result, that was. Back in normal conditions, with no rain and no safety cars, they've finished a lap behind the Virgins. You know, those that are supposed to be the worst F1 cars ever made ever ever ever. Irritatingly, though, that freak result in Canada will probably still see Hispania finish 11th in the championship.

HRT had a bad weekend from the start. They said it themselves, the car has trouble with balance at this track, and the had big overheating problems with the rear tyres. But things are looking up for us Hispania fanboys, as they bring a big package to Silverstone, that should put them ahead of Virgin.

[JohnMLTX]

As I believe I did last year, I must cast my vote for Fox Broadcasting once again, as their coverage of the race on american television began at 11AM CST. That means the race started showing here two hours after it ended. I know I'm just bitter, but eh, there wasn't much to this race once again. At least last year, we had some crashes to watch. I mean, seriously, even with DRS and the self-destructing rubber, that race was still fairly dull.

So, I guess
1. Fox
2. Reliability

[FullMetalJack]

1. Reliability
2. Petrov

[Salamander]

My vote for ROTR goes to the entire weekend. What a complete waste of time. I was so monumentally uninspired by this race, I skipped the post-race bullshite and spent 3 hours racing NASCAR at Talladega (I know, what is wrong with me) in lieu of a better race. And it was orders better than Valencia.

[eagleash]

I'd have to agree with the consensus that the track was the worst culprit here today, since it is completely anodyne - even some of Tilke's more unpopular tracks have at least some distinguishing feature, such as a notable corner or some other unique challenge. This, though, has no memorable features apart from a lot of concrete barriers and garishly painted walls - give it a week and I bet that most of you won't be able to remember the layout, since it is completely forgettable.

Does go over a bridge though.

So does Suzuka.
In Valencia all you see is Spain.

Not a swing bridge over a harbour entrance it doesn't.

[GroupLotusRenault]

The Track I would prefer watching paint dry then watch aF1 race round the Valencia track again

[DanielPT]

This year the races have been good and very entertaining. Don't get me wrong, this Valencia GP last year would be considered a treat, but this year is just not up to standards. So, my votes go for:

1. European GP
2. Valencia circuit

[RainierSassetti]

Why is there no races anymore on the Montjuic Park???
Haven't watched the race, but for me Valencia is an honorary lifelong Reject track.

[Henrique]

Valencia circuit - A very boring race. Worst part was watching all those cars going wide and not losing much speed. I don't understand why Vettel was so happy at the end, after such an easy victory. The FIA should consider another track.

Sauber - For a team that's been scoring regularly, they did very poorly. It was painful to see Kobayashi being constantly passed and Perez only got that high due to pit stop strategy. They say they had trouble managing the tyres. I hope it was just that.

Karthikeyan - He finished last and was a lot slower than his team mate.

[Peter]

My vote goes to FOX. They LITERALLY took a commercial break every 2 LAPS. I mean, it's just ridiculous. One minute, you're watching a heated battle between Buemi, Kobayashi and Heidfield, and then Lee goes "and we'll take a break here and get back to you." FOX made this one of the worst races i've ever watched, not the track.

[eagleash]

Why is there no races anymore on the Montjuic Park???
Haven't watched the race, but for me Valencia is an honorary lifelong Reject track.

F1 never returned to Montjuic after the tragic 1975 race...

[Cynon]

Petrov's Strategy -- WHY ARE YOU STARTING ON HARDS?!
Sauber -- WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!
F1 Braking Systems -- Short braking distances in F1 make for bad racing -- especially since the only shot you have for passing is coming into the corners. Maybe time to return to cast-iron brakes? Especially since GP2 and GP3 had pretty good races...

The 2011 European Grand Prix -- Why? Here's this quote from Wikipedia that explains enough;

This is the first race in Formula one history is which there have been no retirements AND no non-qualifiers AND no non-starters AND no qualifing or race penalties applied.

[AndreaModa]

Ah stop being the devil's advocate - you can't deny that race was dull compared to the preceding ones this season; even if it's futile we're perfectly entitled to moan.

No, you're not. First off, your perception is tainted by the Canadian race. After that, everything would be boring. You could have played any previous race through and it would still bore you. Secondly, this is setting a bad precedent. Do you think the early 2011 standard will remain? At the latest by the middle of 2012, the effect of the new rules will have been neutralised. And do I want to hear you moaning through the entire second half of 2012? No, I don't.

Yeah but Christ all 24 cars finished, barely any incident all day, only a handful of passes whilst the field largely remained in the same order (with the exception of the Saurus) and the place looks like a complete shithole. I'm sorry but the sooner that F1 gets out of there the better.

That race wouldn't have been as bad if it had been anywhere else, where the scenery is pleasant and interesting, and there's a fair bit of elevation change. The fact the race was just pretty dull compounds the effect that such a boring track that looks the same all the way round has on the race.

[KL-racer]

My reject of the race goes to FOX! Because you made the race a whole lot more boring to watch. And in addition, too many commerical breaks, and sometimes at the wrong spots ruined any chance of entertainment for me.

[Rocks with Salt]

I personally say there is no ROTR for the race, because I refuse to jump on the 'Valencia deserves it' and nobody else did anything wrong enough to deserve the award. Granted, FOX Broadcasting was rather poor, it's what I came to expect of them at this point; at least they weren't zoomed in on the frontrunners the entire race...

[Peter]

Granted, FOX Broadcasting was rather poor, it's what I came to expect of them at this point; at least they weren't zoomed in on the frontrunners the entire race...

No, because they were too busy zooming in on baseball, 7 News and that new Jurassic Park ripoff coming this fall. Normally I'd switch to TSN during commercial breaks on SPEED, and that's what I did last race when it was on Fox, but TSN showed it live at 6am, which I didn't know about, so I had to sit there, holding back cursewords as my mother was close by.

[solarcold]

About Petrov - did you notice he actually started from the SECOND GEAR and that was the reason of his failed start?

[lostpin]

Petrov's Strategy -- WHY ARE YOU STARTING ON HARDS?!
Sauber -- WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!
F1 Braking Systems -- Short braking distances in F1 make for bad racing -- especially since the only shot you have for passing is coming into the corners. Maybe time to return to cast-iron brakes? Especially since GP2 and GP3 had pretty good races...

The 2011 European Grand Prix -- Why? Here's this quote from Wikipedia that explains enough;

This is the first race in Formula one history is which there have been no retirements AND no non-qualifiers AND no non-starters AND no qualifing or race penalties applied.

Yes, that Wikipedia note definitely rings the bell for epic boredom...

[James1978]

I personally say there is no ROTR for the race, because I refuse to jump on the 'Valencia deserves it' and nobody else did anything wrong enough to deserve the award. Granted, FOX Broadcasting was rather poor, it's what I came to expect of them at this point; at least they weren't zoomed in on the frontrunners the entire race...

I'm just chuckling to myself now picturing in one of pre-2010 reviews how they always had a picture with below it:

REJECT OF THE RACE
Insert driver/team/other name here
Sentence below explainging why they got awarded it!

But instead it's a blank picture and it says

REJECT OF THE RACE
Nobody

[dr-baker]

Petrov's Strategy -- WHY ARE YOU STARTING ON HARDS?!
Sauber -- WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!
F1 Braking Systems -- Short braking distances in F1 make for bad racing -- especially since the only shot you have for passing is coming into the corners. Maybe time to return to cast-iron brakes? Especially since GP2 and GP3 had pretty good races...

The 2011 European Grand Prix -- Why? Here's this quote from Wikipedia that explains enough;

This is the first race in Formula one history is which there have been no retirements AND no non-qualifiers AND no non-starters AND no qualifing or race penalties applied.

Yes, that Wikipedia note definitely rings the bell for epic boredom...

And, unless I fell asleep (and I probably did...), I don't think there were even any investigations either, were there?

[TomWazzleshaw]

And, unless I fell asleep (and I probably did...), I don't think there were even any investigations either, were there?

There was one for the Schumacher/Petrov incident at pit exit.