Formula 1

HELMUT MARKO : PARTY MODE BAN ESSENTIAL FOR US

Published

3 years ago

02/09/2020

HELMUT MARKO PARTY MODE BAN ESSENTIAL FOR US

Earlier, it appeared unlikely that Red Bull and Verstappen would be able to challenge Mercedes for the 2020 title. But Marko said the party mode ban is “very important” to Red Bull.

Helmut Marko reports that Red Bull Racing has put pressure on the qualifying mode ban. According to the Red Bull Racing advisor, the Austrian team would benefit from an abolition of the system because otherwise it would give Mercedes an unfair advantage during qualifying.

“The abolition of the qualifying mode is essential for us”, the Austrian tells Auto, Motor und Sport. It was Red Bull that lobbied for a ban on the aid system: “We also put the necessary pressure behind that.”

Marko continues: “The qualifying mode at Mercedes is so extreme that it completely distorts the results on Saturday.” The Graz man thinks that the abolition of an engine mode will reduce the difference between Mercedes and Red Bull Racing.

It has been suggested from the Mercedes side that the abolition of the mode is an attempt to counter the team’s dominance. Marko refers to the beginning of the last decade: “When we dominated this sport, we also experienced enough of this type of intervention.”

“For example, the flexibility of the wings was changed weekend after weekend, not to mention the double diffuser”, says Marko. “It is the responsibility of the sport’s management to ensure that races remain balanced and exciting.”

Starting on the Grand Prix of Italy, the teams have to drive with only one engine mode during qualifying and the race. In addition, the engine may only be scaled down during the race for reliability reasons. After that, the engine may not be returned to the higher setting.

HELMUT MARKO : PARTY MODE BAN ESSENTIAL FOR US HELMUT MARKO : PARTY MODE BAN ESSENTIAL FOR US