New Formula 1 rules evoke the spirit of Ayrton Senna

It is appropriate on the 15th anniversary of the death of Ayrton Senna that Formula One should restore a form of racing at which the Brazilian would have excelled," opines Maurice Hamilton in the Observer. Next year will see a ban on refuelling, which was seen in the sport in 1994, the year the great Brazilian died.

"Senna never had the chance to come to terms with fuel stops which effectively split each grand prix into two or three separate races," Hamilton continues. "Being a consummate professional, Senna would have adapted to the revised thinking but the chances are he would have missed the more exhilarating challenge of having to overtake a rival on the race track rather than when he was stationary in the pit lane."

"Refuelling has been nectar to strategists at the expense of fans who enjoy the less complicated pleasure of wheel-to-wheel racing. From next year, drivers will have to cope with cars carrying about 220 litres at the start and then deal with the dramatic change in handling and performance as fuel is burned off," says Hamilton.

So if you thought this season has been exciting, next year promises even more spills and thrills. ·