18" wheels in F1 next year
Discussion
Ok, 'fess up time. I had heard this from someone who works in an F1 suspension design dept a couple of months ago. I didn't believe him as the idea seems quite odd, I thought he was pulling my leg. But the idea was mentioned by Anthony Davidson and David Croft in the free practice after someone sent in a text about it and Ant confirmed that he knew about the plan.
What I got told is this. (Which now doesn't sound so stupid.)
The Technical Working Group have been evaluating the use of 18" wheels in F1 next year. Bridgestone's contract is up and F1 needs a new tyre supplier(s). Only Michelin have any recent experience of F1 tyres and development. F1 is a bit of a cul-de-sac for tyre development, there are no road cars that use the high profile small wheel concept anymore, so the it is only the compounds that get any development, rather than the construction. A couple of months ago when I spoke to my friend, he said that no manufacturers had really expressed an interest. There are other tyre manufacturers who have a lot of experience of slick tyres for other race series. If F1 is to appeal to these manufacturers, maybe, the product could be closer to their knowledge and expertise. ie If Mohammed can't go to the mountain...
So F1 cars could look quite different next year and there could be a tyre war more than one manufacturer signs up.
What I got told is this. (Which now doesn't sound so stupid.)
The Technical Working Group have been evaluating the use of 18" wheels in F1 next year. Bridgestone's contract is up and F1 needs a new tyre supplier(s). Only Michelin have any recent experience of F1 tyres and development. F1 is a bit of a cul-de-sac for tyre development, there are no road cars that use the high profile small wheel concept anymore, so the it is only the compounds that get any development, rather than the construction. A couple of months ago when I spoke to my friend, he said that no manufacturers had really expressed an interest. There are other tyre manufacturers who have a lot of experience of slick tyres for other race series. If F1 is to appeal to these manufacturers, maybe, the product could be closer to their knowledge and expertise. ie If Mohammed can't go to the mountain...
So F1 cars could look quite different next year and there could be a tyre war more than one manufacturer signs up.
Here's a link to Autosport as posted by OzzyR1 in the GP thread.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/82593
I really should catch up on all the threads before posting a new one.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/82593
I really should catch up on all the threads before posting a new one.
Article seems to imply rear wheels only, which wouldn't fit with the explanation given above - tyre companies will have to develop tyres for both 13" and 18" rims, which is surely a big ask for a new supplier...
Also, considering how much bump compliance relies on the tyres currently, surely this will require major changes to the suspension design - would such a major change be welcomed by the teams considering we've just had two turbulent years of key design changes?
Also, considering how much bump compliance relies on the tyres currently, surely this will require major changes to the suspension design - would such a major change be welcomed by the teams considering we've just had two turbulent years of key design changes?
With all these regulation changes in F1 to make the sport both more competitive and to cut costs they are likely increasing the costs in new development.
Example being KERS. On paper it should have made the 2009 changes to the regulations more competitive in combination with aero and engines and as such a better spectator sport. Barely half way through the season all but two teams had dropped the technology. All the cost for development only to be dropped in principle for the following season.
What would the change to the 18" rear rims actually achieve? Will it slow the cars down, make them faster, or harder to control? Would it not mean teams having to redesign the current cars?
Example being KERS. On paper it should have made the 2009 changes to the regulations more competitive in combination with aero and engines and as such a better spectator sport. Barely half way through the season all but two teams had dropped the technology. All the cost for development only to be dropped in principle for the following season.
What would the change to the 18" rear rims actually achieve? Will it slow the cars down, make them faster, or harder to control? Would it not mean teams having to redesign the current cars?
d3dna said:
What would the change to the 18" rear rims actually achieve?
I think that the point is that they might actually be able to get a credible new supplier at all. If the F1 development costs could be spread with other top end formulae by using similar primary construction as everything in the GT/Endurance sphere then the likes of Michelin, Dunlop, Goodyear, Yokohama et al might show a little more interest... ?Current indications seem to be that nobody is interested. Worst case of course is that F1 ends up having to commission and buy tyres at full (R&D inclusive) cost from someone rather than have a manufacturer carry a sizeable chunk or that in exchange for the media exposure. Which is another huge bill for the teams that everyone surely wants to avoid...
Otherwise it will have to be GP2 rubber won't it?
Lotus Elan +2 said:
The tyre would go from the current width of 13" 
to 18" 
therefore giving MORE mechanical grip.
If you just changed the wheel diameter the tyre footprint would stay the same (i.e. the same mechanical grip)
It's the diameter they're talking about, not the width of the rim. to 18" therefore giving MORE mechanical grip.If you just changed the wheel diameter the tyre footprint would stay the same (i.e. the same mechanical grip)
DiscoColin said:
d3dna said:
What would the change to the 18" rear rims actually achieve?
I think that the point is that they might actually be able to get a credible new supplier at all. If the F1 development costs could be spread with other top end formulae by using similar primary construction as everything in the GT/Endurance sphere then the likes of Michelin, Dunlop, Goodyear, Yokohama et al might show a little more interest... ?Current indications seem to be that nobody is interested. Worst case of course is that F1 ends up having to commission and buy tyres at full (R&D inclusive) cost from someone rather than have a manufacturer carry a sizeable chunk or that in exchange for the media exposure. Which is another huge bill for the teams that everyone surely wants to avoid...
Otherwise it will have to be GP2 rubber won't it?
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