I'm glad Michelin is standing up. They should change the tire change rule today. The chicane wouldn't be needed if the teams could just change tires when needed. All these new rules to limit spending suck. I think it opens the door for another organization to do a no-limit racing program.
If Indy were a new circuit, or had it been revised significantly, than Michelin's plight would be understandable. But since neither of those is the case, they have absolutely no excuse for not being ready with proper rubber. I think the Michelin runners should be allowed to change tires before the race, and then start behind the six Bridgestone runners. They should then be each required to do a drive-through penalty at some point during the race (but not in a safety-car situation). If any of them feel a need to change tires during the race, they may do so, but then have to undergo another drive-through penalty.
Are Indy speeds the same as F1. It is my understanding that F1 puts more stress on the tires. Can you not change the tires in Indy? I thought you could.....
Ralf Schumacher had a big accident friday afternoon. His left rear tyre blew just like Zonta in the other Toyota. The problems all been with the left-rear tyre, which is heavily loaded as the cars power through the banked final curve onto the start/finish straight. Michelin issued advice to its teams to raise rear tyre pressures. But they don't look confident for the race, a 73 laps GP. I wouldn't like to see another driver getting hurt.
Totally agree 100%. Considering the amount of resources that are poured into development of tires, there is no excuse for not making a tire that can last. All the teams have to play by the same rules, and just because Michelin is on the short end this time doesn't mean the rule should be changed. I personally hope they do not put the chicane in tonight and let the drivers decide to lift off or not. If only six cars start...I predict a Ferrari 1-2!
Everyone was critical that the Bridgestone tires weren't fast enough. We finally have proof that they were designed withing the guidelines of this year's technical regulations. Michelin took their chances and didn't design a tire that would last. No sympathy from me. If it isn't safe, don't race. And the team principals should start yelling in French. Michelin screwed up on this one. Not the FIA. Screw 'em.
Just because Michelin stood up doesn't mean the Bridgestones will hold up any better........... Why do you guys think this tire change rule is good for the sport? I think the teams should be able to change tires when they want. There already is a time penalty built into the time it takes to pit and change them.
I normally don't stay beyond the Porsche Supercup race, but I stayed to the end today and sure enough, BAR appeared to be packing up shop, they even closed their garage. Who knows whats going on, but this isn't good for the race at Indy. Phil
Standard SOP. Unless they were loading everything on the shipping containers, they are just locking up for the night.
For this race the rules should stay as they are, IMO. For future races, however, maybe there could be a solution in requiring separate pit stops. One pit for fuel, one for tires, but you cannot do both in the same stop. That in a way is a stop & go penalty in itself. While I enjoy the drama of pitstops and race strategy as the laps count down, sometimes it makes me wonder if it would result in better racing if the rules required you to run the full race distance without any stops at all.
I've seen that before so I agree, but other teams seemed to be active where as BAR seemed not be doing anything with their car I guess we'll have to wait and see. I say give all the teams new tires, maybe that will alleviate the concern or allow them to changed all tires on pit stops. Phil
Remember! For many years that was the way it was. Until Brabham, then owned by Bernie Ecclestone (!), tried a strategy of pitting on-purpose during races in around 1983, it was s.o.p. to run the races non-stop. Brabham figured by starting on softer tires and less fuel, they could build up enough of a lead to allow them time to make a stop and retain the lead. It took awhile for that strategy to actually work, and then everyone else began doing the same.
Right, just make it forbidden to have any pit stops at all, or make it such that a minimum time stopped at the pit stop is 30 seconds or something. At least if someone did come in, the crew could take their time and ensure the nuts were tight, and all adjustments were made.
I didnt see michelin bitc*ing earlier this season about the tire situation, why now? I say let them swap all tires and take the penalty mandated by FIA which is what?
and it is that simple. Perhaps the reason why the Michelins warm up faster in qualifying is that they are not as durable as the Bridgestones, and the Indy banking generates pressures that Michelins can't handle. Is this the first time the Michelin engineers have ever seen Indy? The Michelin teams need to STFU and race. If they think their tires aren't going to last, then they can simply drive slower and pick-up some points. F1 has been trying to lower speeds and here's the answer-bad tires! Now, what was that about Michelin having all that extra testing data because of the testing mileage put on by all the Michelin-shod teams? Maybe Bibendum should drive the Michelin-shod cars...
"White knuckle driving", indeed. Blaming the track is stupid. It's been like that all along. Apparently, "oops" is a four letter word in french, too.
Michelin need to seriously work on the design of their sidewalls. They can't take the sustained G-forces like the Bridgestones. This really isn't news to any Formula One fan. And I like the USGP track as it is... that last section is like none other in F1. I say a Chicane would turn Indy into just another GP track.
I'm sure they will race the way things are, it will be dangerous but it always has been. remeber the 80's spanish GP. im pretty sure the guy from the USGP will be pretty pissed if they dont race (all the teams that is)
