China proved why the new rules are a success
David Coulthard loved every moment of the Chinese Grand Prix and, as he explains in his latest column, believes Shanghai was the best possible argument for the raft of changes brought in for 2011
We've had a bit of time to reflect on the first three races of the year, and what was a very good Chinese Grand Prix in particular. The new style of racing we have with Pirelli tyres, adjustable wings and KERS is dividing opinion, but I don't see how any of this can be bad for the sport. What we have this year is a challenge - this is Formula 1 2011. In the past you could pretty much switch off after the last pitstop. You can't do that now, so I fail to see why that's not a good thing. I personally think any sporting contest should not be over until the final whistle blows or the chequered flag drops. Otherwise, before the end you have people turning off their TVs.
Yes, it must be hard for the drivers to run eight seconds per lap off their qualifying pace. But we run 20 seconds off the pace in the wet and nobody says it's not proper grand prix racing. Speed is a relative thing; if you're going faster than everyone else you're still fantastic.
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