How different is the new intermediate tyre?
“The new intermediate tyre gives more grip through having a softer compound than the old one, but driving the latest specification F1 cars in the wet will always be a challenge, no matter what tyres are used. The latest cars have less downforce so less aerodynamic grip than before, and this is true in wet or dry conditions. In the dry, less downforce is not as much of a problem as the slick tyres have more grip than the previous grooved tyres, so there is more mechanical grip to counter the loss of aerodynamic grip. In the wet, even with our new intermediate tyres, there is only slightly more grip than before. In the wet we still need the drainage channels in the tread to prevent aquaplaning, so the only grip improvement must come from new compound developments.”

Stats & Facts
Number & Spec of tyres brought to Monaco 1800 (Soft & super soft dry. Intermediate/wets)
Pole position time 2008: 1min 15.787secs (Massa)
Fastest race lap 2008: 1min 16.689secs (Raikkonen)
Top three 2008: Hamilton, Kubica, Massa