The Confusion Never Stops...

[Fish_Flake]

I found this on another site.

Presenting to you...The Starting Lights for the 2004 Formula 1 Season!

Just another indication of technology gone wrong. Does anyone really need all those lights?

[Knowlesy]

The warm up lap countdown is particularly odd.

[Cougar]

Someone's taken the name "xmas tree" a bit toooo far maybe?

I suggest the drivers drive with sunglasses

[Mr V]

Whats the point of having lights on as a "countdown"? If this is the case, there is no elimant of surprise anymore.

[NiceGuyEddie]

Originally posted by Mr V
Whats the point of having lights on as a "countdown"? If this is the case, there is no elimant of surprise anymore.

No one complained over the startingprocedure, and it was fine as it was. Practically everybody -especially drivers- complain about grooved tyres, yet nothing is done in that department.

[rpolinski]

I don't why you are all getting your panties in a bunch. The actual start light procedure is exactly as it has been. I can't comment on the pre-warmup sequence as Channel 10 only cross to the cars coming out the last corner of the warmup lap.

[Red]

Originally posted by Mr V
Whats the point of having lights on as a "countdown"? If this is the case, there is no elimant of surprise anymore.

I don't think something changed here... The "countdows" is only for lights going on, as before. They still go off after a "random" 0 to 3 seconds time..

[Cougar]

In this age of fancy billboard gadgets etc why cant they have a board showing the actual time rather than them silly lights I know its "always" been used like that... but still...

[Red]

It's more "visible". The pseudo analogic displays are always preferred to pure digital. I agree, the 5 minutes to formation lap signs could be actually replaced by a numeric timer, but you need a BIG display. But you can easily see that only 3 lights are on, from 100 meters distance, while you need to focus your attention to read 4'12", and the precise time isn't that important anyway. Besides, you can always consult your wrist watch..

[Redblurr]

I see problems with this. No logic to the number of lights on display e.g. Why not just have Red Amber Green GO - to simple - I wonder how much was paid for this hash up?

[Red]

Well, it sounds good... Trouble is that you would need too many colors for all signals that happen 1-2 hours before the start.

[Cougar]

hmm with the automated start why not just send a signal and all the cars shoot of automatically without any need for the driver to push a button

[paulzinho]

Actually it does seem to be the same as its always been, just never really thought about it as a countdown before.

Its not like they're counting down to when the green lights go on.... I hope!

[Red]

Originally posted by Cougar21
hmm with the automated start why not just send a signal and all the cars shoot of automatically without any need for the driver to push a button

Well, actually that signal IS sent! But is illegal to intercept it! Well, the teams comply... most of them anyway..

It's about spectators too. Now, I would agree that it would surprise all of us when the cars would launch, without noticable signals, but it's funnier to count the lights and watch them going off...

[Redblurr]

Bernie at the front - he can wave his wallet to signal the start everyone should see that