Username
Password
The return of slicks to Formula One
By BMW Sauber F1 Team May 7 2008
The BMW Sauber F1 Team has already participated in two tests using slick tyres, which could celebrate their return to Formula One next season. Tetsuro Kobayashi, Bridgestone Motorsport's technical manager, analyses the results so far. .

Major changes will come into force for the 2009 Formula One season. These include the return of slick tyres, which have not been used since 1998. "In recognition of the changes in the regulations we have made slick tyres available at two tests so far", explains Kobayashi. "The first was in Jerez where we brought one compound of slick Formula One tyre. This was very much a prototype development tyre for ourselves and teams to gain initial data."

The BMW Sauber F1 Team took part in both tests and had to adapt to another new feature in Jerez. "When we ran in Jerez, tests were undertaken with drivers taking to the track without the benefit of tyres pre-heated by blankets and this was a new situation for them in F1," says Kobayashi. From 2009, the use of pre-heated blankets to bring Formula One tyres to their operational temperature will also be forbidden.

According to Kobayashi, the second tests with slicks in Barcelona also ran to plan: "Although the 2008 cars have not been designed to run with slick tyres it was a useful fact-finding mission in Barcelona, building on the data we gained at the end of last season. This is part of the ongoing process to prepare teams for slick racing tyres returning to Formula One."

Bridgestone's slick tyres are next scheduled to make a Formula One appearance in the Jerez test in July, where two compounds will be used.

 

Bookmark or share this story with: