I think it is fair to say that much of the increase in speed of F1 cars over recent years has been down to improvements in tyre technology. This year average speeds have risen again, despite the dramatic reduction in aerodynamic down force.
With the ban on refuelling next year opinion is split on whether this will encourage more overtaking. Fuel and tyre stops are currently used as a way to gain track position. I would be surprised if the ban of in race refuelling changed the team’s perspective on this as drivers will still be able to abuse a set of tyres for a few laps to gain the few tenths needed to move up a position. If tyre stop were also banned the drivers would have to pass on the track.
Personally, I would like to see a return to a single set of tyres being used for the whole race and I will explain why.
With a set of tyres having to last less than an third of a race the amount of rubber the tyres deposited on the track has increased markedly. On the BBC website Martin Brundle made the following comment about “graining”
The tyre surface - especially on tyres made of the softer rubber compounds - tend to rip from the friction as they slide across the track, forming balls of rubber on the surface of the tyre. These are hazardous and can drastically reduce grip as they act like a film, or layer, of marbles for the driver. Graining, however, usually stabilises after five or so laps.
So harder compounds will leave less deposit on the track allowing drivers to move off the racing line to overtake.
The current “two options must be used” does nothing to enhance the sport, it simply forces drivers to compromise their race pace to satisfy an arbitrary requirement from the sports governing body. With a single tyre compound being used for the race, drivers would have to make a choice; push in the early part of race and compromise their tyres for the later stages or look after the tyres early on with the hope of catching the other drivers later on.
With the push for cost cutting it also seems rather bizarre to require drivers to use at least two sets of tyres, regardless of whether they are worn out or not, during the course of a race.
I appreciate that many other factors affect the drivers ability to overtake, especially the aerodynamic problems encountered when one car follows another but a car with worn tyres has to brake earlier, corners slower and would accelerate less quickly than one with tyres in better condition. Surely this would improve the sporting spectacle?
With the ban on refuelling next year opinion is split on whether this will encourage more overtaking. Fuel and tyre stops are currently used as a way to gain track position. I would be surprised if the ban of in race refuelling changed the team’s perspective on this as drivers will still be able to abuse a set of tyres for a few laps to gain the few tenths needed to move up a position. If tyre stop were also banned the drivers would have to pass on the track.
Personally, I would like to see a return to a single set of tyres being used for the whole race and I will explain why.
With a set of tyres having to last less than an third of a race the amount of rubber the tyres deposited on the track has increased markedly. On the BBC website Martin Brundle made the following comment about “graining”
The tyre surface - especially on tyres made of the softer rubber compounds - tend to rip from the friction as they slide across the track, forming balls of rubber on the surface of the tyre. These are hazardous and can drastically reduce grip as they act like a film, or layer, of marbles for the driver. Graining, however, usually stabilises after five or so laps.
So harder compounds will leave less deposit on the track allowing drivers to move off the racing line to overtake.
The current “two options must be used” does nothing to enhance the sport, it simply forces drivers to compromise their race pace to satisfy an arbitrary requirement from the sports governing body. With a single tyre compound being used for the race, drivers would have to make a choice; push in the early part of race and compromise their tyres for the later stages or look after the tyres early on with the hope of catching the other drivers later on.
With the push for cost cutting it also seems rather bizarre to require drivers to use at least two sets of tyres, regardless of whether they are worn out or not, during the course of a race.
I appreciate that many other factors affect the drivers ability to overtake, especially the aerodynamic problems encountered when one car follows another but a car with worn tyres has to brake earlier, corners slower and would accelerate less quickly than one with tyres in better condition. Surely this would improve the sporting spectacle?
