Some of the world's fastest gamers "could soon be driving" Formula 1's future, "literally, by testing new ideas on virtual racetracks," according to Alan Baldwin of REUTERS. The sport is "facing major change" after '20, when current agreements expire, and Liberty Media along with FIA are "looking into how to make racing more competitive and exciting." Pat Symonds, who is on a panel of experts set up last year under F1 Managing Dir Ross Brawn, said that "esport can help provide the answers." The British engineer cited the starting grid, with the cars currently lined up in a staggered two by two formation, as one example. He said, "In the old days, you had four, three (cars abreast), all sorts of things. What we want to know is: If we do that (with modern cars and tires), what's likely to happen? And although you could develop AI (artificial intelligence) to do that, it's actually better to do it using elite gamers. Those guys are pretty damn good at what they do. Can we use them to inform us as to how proposed regulations might work out?" (REUTERS, 6/13).
AUTOMATED FLAG: MOTORSPORT's Adam Cooper reported F1 Race Dir Charlie Whiting suggested an automated checkered flag system "could be introduced in the future following the controversy of the Canadian Grand Prix." The flag was shown by model Winnie Harlow after 69 of the 70 laps in Montreal "after a local official miscalculated and told her it was the last lap." Whiting said that he will consider having the official signal for the end of the race shown on the light boards above the start/finish line, "which would override any issues with the actual flag" (MOTORSPORT, 6/14).
