Formula 1 tyres play a significant role in the performance of a Formula 1 car. The tyres have undergone significant changes throughout the history of Formula 1, with different manufacturers and specifications used in the sport.
Formula 1 tyres have only a superficial resemblance to a normal road tyre. Whereas the latter has a useful life of up to 80,000 km, the tyres used in Formula 1 are built to last less than one race distance. This is determined by the compound of the rubber used. In 2005, tyre changes were disallowed in Formula 1, the compound was harder as the tyres had to last the full race distance (around 300 km). Tyre changes were re-instated in 2006.
Between 1998 and 2008, regulations required the tyres to feature a minimum of four grooves in them, with the intention of slowing the cars down (a slick tyre, with no indentations, is best in dry conditions slicks with up to 18% more contact with the track). They can be no wider than 355 mm and 380 mm at the front and rear respectively and maximum diameter is 660 mm (670 mm for wet tyre). Slick tyres were reintroduced at the beginning of the 2009 season in an attempt to increase overtaking.
The Italian firm Pirelli become the sole supplier of tyres to F1 in 2011, and have introduced six different types of tyre to distinguish the six each will colour coded. Under the sport’s rules, only two compounds of slick tyre – known as the prime and the option – will be used for each race. In addition to this, intermediate and wet tyres can be fitted if it rains.
Between 1998 and 2008, regulations required the tyres to feature a minimum of four grooves in them, with the intention of slowing the cars down (a slick tyre, with no indentations, is best in dry conditions slicks with up to 18% more contact with the track). They can be no wider than 355 mm and 380 mm at the front and rear respectively and maximum diameter is 660 mm (670 mm for wet tyre). Slick tyres were reintroduced at the beginning of the 2009 season in an attempt to increase overtaking.
The Italian firm Pirelli become the sole supplier of tyres to F1 in 2011, and have introduced six different types of tyre to distinguish the six each will colour coded. Under the sport’s rules, only two compounds of slick tyre – known as the prime and the option – will be used for each race. In addition to this, intermediate and wet tyres can be fitted if it rains.
The six colours are as follows:
Wet – Orange
Intermediate – Light blue
Supersoft – Red
Soft – Yellow
Medium – White
Hard – Silver
Intermediate – Light blue
Supersoft – Red
Soft – Yellow
Medium – White
Hard – Silver
The wet tyre is used in case of heavy rain, while the intermediate is for a damp or drying track. The supersoft provides plenty of speed at the expense of durability, while the soft tyre lasts a bit longer but is still more biased towards performance. The medium tyre is a balanced compromise, while the hard tyre is the most durable of all. In order to make the differences between the prime and option tyre more pronounced Pirelli’s strategy is to offer a step of at least one compound between the tyres nominated for each race. If the track conditions require it though, this strategy may be revised.
Pirelli have supplied tryes that will deteriorate more quickly than their technology could produce, such will ensure the drivers must either pit more often or drive in a way to protect the tyres. Either way racing should be more exciting than in prior years.
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Tags : Formula 1 tyres | Pirelli
