Standardising the shorter race distance would give the issue a much shorter shelf life as a talking point .
And that’s all that matter. As long as the veneer stays shiny, it doesn’t matter what’s underneath.
But it’s understood that shortening all the races by a uniform amount was regarded as the lesser of several evils. The commercial rights holder in particular has been very sensitive to criticism of the new regulations, and shortening just a few races would inevitably make the need to do this a talking point during those weekends. This would give more exposure to the widespread view that the rules are not fit for purpose.
I’m too tired to comment but I guess it kind of speaks for itself anyway.
I also love this bit:
Some purists may be aghast at shortening grands prix but this is not a new concept. In 1958, as part of a wider package of changes including a ban on alcohol-based fuels, maximum race lengths were cut from 500km or three hours to 300km and two hours.
It really makes the opposite point: this rule hasn’t been touched since 1958, and yet they feel the need to change it now!
So the only way to fill their broadcasting advertising slots would be to slow the cars down further?
