I'll be serious for as long I can bother, we are debating a virtual race from several days ago
Clearly I am not independent and have a biased view, I am not complaining, just laying out my view.
Firstly, I admit to be influenced by the first race at Paul Ricard where the exact same thing happened to me. T1, on the outside line as I try to claim a car width of tarmac I got a tap in the right rear ruining my (and many others) race. Don't bother with replays, trust me.
For this race, I dispute I was coming back onto track, the opposite in fact. I was always on track and only just went 4 wheels out of the white line (still on track) when I saw Bird understeering - by then it was too late. Another 1/4 car length and have been clear and had the apex for T2. I think we were all unprepared for the starting difference of the cars, as soon as I realised this and to avoid any issues I took the widest line available, I also knew there would be a big braking difference so ensured a clean lane ahead. So I don't think I hold any blame.
From Birds perspective there was a lot going on and I have no doubt he never expected me to be where I was. The microraces view (love it) shows me coming back at him from probably 10 car lengths back, plus he was a bit busy with the 3 cars inside of him so there is clearly no malice but I
was in front and
did get contact so it comes down to the application of the rules. Please, I don't want a penalty applied but that is my view. Regardless of how "busy" it is we are expected to have control of our car and be aware of others, that is why we run the radar and spotter.
I'll be taking the "cross three lanes and arrow into T1" approach next race. I might get lucky but at least I won't be the one taken out. Joking... maybe.
Ironically, that is not the one I was frustrated at. The penalty I got in race 3 is what annoyed me (sorry for outburst, money has been put in the swear jar). After getting beaten up all race 1 and 2 the "rules of the road" seem to have shifted. Unfortunately it was Bird and I again. Bird used the Nismo power down the back straight to pass me, I braked deeper and held the inside line for the next corner with a small overlap from my cockpit (I agree it looks worse from exterior view). As I braked and turned into the apex with wheels on the curb the door was shut and I made rear contact. His rear hit me sir! I get the penalty which is technically correct based on criteria. Now, I know Bird didn't do it on purpose (stated on Discord) and it ruined his race also but I felt I was already "there" and if R1 contact is a racing incident then this was also. Again, I am not looking for the penalty to be lifted, it makes no difference as I will be away for a few races.
Finally, I have no issue with Bird - we just seemed to be in the middle of it this race which at the end of the day is why I show up - for competition. Sometimes you are the bug, sometime the windscreen. Call me Buggy McBug.
How is that for not dwelling on it