This is the Statt Mann baby. It's time to Scatt a little bit!

An observation after the first Formula One race of the season.

The idea of fuel-free pit stops fascinated me as I watched the race from Bahrain this morning.  I wondered how the race would look without refueling and it went fine.

In fact, it's a step in the right direction.  The technology necessary to perform at the highest levels, with the necessary efficiency to get to the finish, is a concept that should be present in the highest levels of racing.

In more ways than one it's a real world answer to real world problems.

I've come to believe that if racing can't address real world issues then what's the point?  If all racing is good for is selling stuff – and making more money for rich guys – then we're missing a golden opportunity to advance knowledge.

I'm not sure that's what was on F1's mind when it decided to have fuel-free pit stops but that's an unintended consequence that should be in all forms of motorsport.

75 million fans are waiting for the answers, especially when they get in their cars for the return trip home.

Peace.