F1 to get low-profile rubber?
Read some interesting speculation in a motoring mag today. It's probably well-known that F1 is finding itself in a bit of a pickle with Bridgestone pulling out at the end of the season, but what will happen in 2011?
Apparently, Michelin's been approached to possibly become a supplier again. Michelin's up for it, but only if competition between suppliers will be supported and encouraged, and only if F1 moves from the current 13-inch high-profiles to 18-inch (inner?) ones. I'm not too sure what's meant with the inner bit, but sounds good to me so far. From the sound of things, Pirelli's keen to become a supplier as well, but 13-inch rubber isn't on the top of their list either...
The other possibility is that Bernie might resurrect his IRTS (International Race Tyre Services) company to supply still-13-inch Avon tyres to the entire field. This would suit the budget teams apparently as it means less development costs adapting to Avons than it would in adapting to 18-inch tyres (different braking, steering and suspension systems, possibly more).
I'm hoping that the change in tyres happen. The magazine in question even mentioned that the trucks delivering F1 tyres are fitted with lower profile tyres than F1 currently use.
Surely it's about time F1's tyre format catches up with the rest of the racing world (even the non-racing world for that matter)?
Whatever will be decided, the teams are according to the mag getting antsy to get an official decision since they want to start designing for 2011 a.s.a.p.
Anyone who still follows F1 have any thoughts on this?