30 May, 2005

F1 Tyre Rule Needs To End

I think those of us who follow Formula One would agree something needed to be done to stop the powerful hold team Ferrari had over the race. Last year's one engine rule did not defeat the mighty Mike, but it seems the one tyre rule has killed his lead.

If you are not familiar with this rule, basically the teams can only race on the same tyres throughout the course of the practice, qualifying and game itself -- unless a change in weather like sudden rain or unless the tyre is deemed by a third party to be too dangerous to drive. Any team that makes the decision to change out the tyres do so at the risk of heavy penalty.

Kimi Räikkönen has experience first hand what happens when you must second guess better judgement. His tyres were falling apart for a few laps and if left within team judgement he could have been called in to get a quick change. By the last lap it would have been too late, which is where he encountered a big problem. Had his team felt the need to call him in or change during the last fuel up, he could have made first on the podium. They did not have the luxury of this decision and Kimi had to go on through the race with tyres that were starting to deteriorate.

Poor thing, the very last lap and one wrong move completely wrecked his tyre support from underneath. They almost completely shredded tyres could have proven to be his downfall if it were not for the fact that the assembly from underneath split up. Thank goodness for tethered tyres!

In order to race, the drivers need to be assured they can have the basics fixed on an as-needed basis - tyres, engines, and frame. If any of these go out during a race, it could prove to be a fatality to the driver, other racers, or perhaps even the audience.

Perhaps if they changed the rules to allow a change without penalty as long as the pit stops made are for specific purposes - a fuel up or a repair, but not both at the same time.

http://www.callendamornen.co.uk

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