SPIELBERG, Austria - A palpable air of soul-searching was evident in the paddock at the 2014 Austrian GP as Formula 1 mused over the effect on the current "show"' of dwindling TV audiences and nervous sponsors.
According to reports the sport is leaping from knee-jerk reaction to knee-jerk reaction with megaphone and twin exhausts being tested to turn up the volume and titanium plates under the cars to create sparks.
Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg said: "We must remain open and take the concerns and suggestions of the fans seriously. Of course it would be nice if we had a little more noise but at the moment I don't see any particular area that needs to be improved."
'DRASTIC CHANGE'
When asked about the idea of standing restarts after pace-car periods, reportedly approved by the F1 Commission, Rosberg furrowed his brow.
"Is that a proposal?" he asked. "That sounds very extreme. I understand that the start is one of the most exciting things for the fans but I hope that will not happen - it's going too far."
Mercedes executive director Toto Wolff,agreed, hitting out at the atmosphere of "talking the sport down" that is characterising 2014 - and certainly the Austrian GP.
Wolff said: "We are in a fantastic new venue. We have had some exciting races -we must stop talking ourselves down."
Stay with Wheels24 for the 2014 F1 season – fresh reports every day.
According to reports the sport is leaping from knee-jerk reaction to knee-jerk reaction with megaphone and twin exhausts being tested to turn up the volume and titanium plates under the cars to create sparks.
Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg said: "We must remain open and take the concerns and suggestions of the fans seriously. Of course it would be nice if we had a little more noise but at the moment I don't see any particular area that needs to be improved."
'DRASTIC CHANGE'
When asked about the idea of standing restarts after pace-car periods, reportedly approved by the F1 Commission, Rosberg furrowed his brow.
"Is that a proposal?" he asked. "That sounds very extreme. I understand that the start is one of the most exciting things for the fans but I hope that will not happen - it's going too far."
Mercedes executive director Toto Wolff,agreed, hitting out at the atmosphere of "talking the sport down" that is characterising 2014 - and certainly the Austrian GP.
Wolff said: "We are in a fantastic new venue. We have had some exciting races -we must stop talking ourselves down."
Stay with Wheels24 for the 2014 F1 season – fresh reports every day.