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The Paddock / Re: Lotus Europa 16V Gordini
« Last post by Mecky on Today at 01:05:54 AM »So older cars, which are already at a disadvantage, have to be saddled with inferior tires?! That’s lunacy!In the case of historic racing, the FIA has a safety concerns for the oldest cars. Because slick tyres are (of course) grippier than semi-slicks or historic-style racing tyres and therefore mean more stress for the suspension, chassis and brakes. At least with the Lotus Europa, they have a point. My suspension is already heavily upgraded, but the soft sheet-metal chassis is not very well suited for racing. Colin Chapman knew that, built the types 47 and 62 for racing purpose and didn't bother to enter the normal Europa in any race.
With stuff like this and the all the politics surrounding Andretti trying to get on the F1 grid, it seems like the people who run motor sports are actively trying to ruin them.
The mistake (from my POV) is that the rule makers of my competition span the class over that huge period of time. It would have been more sensible to divide it at the "tyre limit", which is 31st December 1971:
Older cars: no slicks
Younger cars: slicks
Regarding Andretti, you are completely right. The F1 teams are an elite group and try to keep this group exclusively to themselves. My guess is that Andretti will purchase the remains of Alpine sooner or later. This way, F1 can't keep them out.