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Todt believes that there is too much 'hidden simulation' in F1

Todt believes that there is too much 'hidden simulation' in F1

08-01-2019 16:12
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FIA president Jean Todt believes F1 is becoming too reliant on “hidden simulation” which he believes is bad for the sport.

Restrictions on the amount of in-season testing have resulted in teams increasingly using simulator drivers at their factory bases to help improve car set-ups. 

Todt believes that this is impacting Formula 1 in a negative way due to the fact that the fans are unable to witness what goes on behind closed doors. 

“Things are changing, sometimes for the good, sometimes less good,” Todt said in an interview with Sky Sports F1.

“I feel that cars are too reliable. I feel [there’s] too much happening that you don’t see.

“Simulation, drivers simulating race circuit in the factory during the race weekend or any other period without any limitation.

“In a way, I miss sometimes the past. I miss private testing, everybody was complaining it’s too much private testing.

“At least you could see what was happening.”

Todt believes F1 would benefit from restrictions on how teams are able to use the data they collect.

“Probably it was too much but now I think it’s too much-hidden simulation in the factory,” he added.

"Clearly sometimes modernity is good but it should be also a bit more controlled.”

Sebastian Vettel admitted that he did not like testing in the simulator so maybe this could be beneficial for both the drivers and the fans.