enthalpy

Tuesday, June 21, 2005


More fallout from Indy's (and Michelin's) botched Formula 1 race.
Given the combination of oval exit speed of the F1 cars and the subsequent down forces experienced by the tyres Michelin is not able to guarantee that such incidents would not reoccur during race conditions, and therefore Michelin is not able to guarantee the total safety of the drivers.
Exactly what you want to hear when you've got a rocket strapped to your ass, and your tires are the only thing controlling you.
As a result Michelin, in total agreement with our partner teams has asked the FIA that a chicane, allowing the reduction of car speed be installed at the entrance to the oval. In this condition the Indianapolis F1 GP would be able to take place with the tyres that we used during the qualification.
One of the big differences between F1 and the standard (boring) oval-track racing is the higher speeds on the ovals. Longer straight-a-ways and high, banked (left) turns give the opportunity to go much faster. So if it really is just the course that caused the malfunction with the tires, why the hell didn't the Bridgestone teams have the same problem?



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