FORUMula1.com - F1 Forum

Discuss the sport you love with other motorsport fans

Formula One related discussion.
#379625
According to tyrepress.com, which claims official word from the manufacturer itself, Kumho has tested with its own F1-spec rubber, although the tyres are not destined for the likes of Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren just yet.

Although Kumho first stated an interest in F1 as long ago as 2004, and has been touted as a potential replacement for whichever rival was currently in occupation ever since, the new tyres are actually earmarked for Auto GP, which exists among the plethora of feeder series on the single-seater ladder.

According to a quote attributed to Kumho, the three-day test at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya was designed to 'validate the technology for future business with F1 and to actually test the technology accumulated through motor sports since the 1990s for F1.”

Kumho is no stranger to the junior formulae, having been sole supplier to the F3 Euroseries in the past, and sees motorsport at all levels as a means of both developing its product and enhancing its image.

“As we are a relative newcomer, with the shortest history among the global top ten tyre makers, we need to compete in the global market with our technical power, and motor sports is the area where we can show off our capabilities,” chief executive Jong-Ho Kim told Tyres and Accessories magazine back in 2010, “We already completed the development of F1 tyres in 2007 and now watch for an opportunity to enter into the F1 market as well.”
#379644
If Bernie played this right, he could have the tyre makers paying to be the official supplier. They could even have a bidding competition where the manufacturer willing to pay the most and supply the tyres that disintegrate quickest wins.
#379680
Here's hoping that cooler minds prevail and we get back to a competition between tire manufacturers!!
Monopolies are generally speaking, not good for anyone except the person holding it!!
#379693
Here's hoping that cooler minds prevail and we get back to a competition between tire manufacturers!!
Monopolies are generally speaking, not good for anyone except the person holding it!!


Single-supplier is better for everyone than a tyre war, especially in an era where testing is limited.
#379701
Why a tire war? Just make a good set of tires bring three compounds and let the teams choose between any with the only regulation bring they've got to do at least two stops. Coming to think of it, I miss in race refueling too.
#379702
Why any stops? If a team wants to run one set of hard tyres for the whole race, why not let them?

It wouldn't bother me if some teams wanted to refuel and others didn't, either... :P
#379749
Single-supplier is better for everyone than a tyre war, especially in an era where testing is limited.


Agreed. :yes:
#379751
Single-supplier is better for everyone than a tyre war, especially in an era where testing is limited.


Agreed. :yes:


I say split Pirelli into two halves and have them battle it out!

Follow Bridgestone and have one half for Ferrari and one for the rest! :hehe:
#379794
I like Kumho's I used to get free used rally tyres that would fitted my Evo a treat. They wore out quicker than a Pirelli super soft though

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk
#379844
Why does it have to be a "tire war"?? Why can't it be simply a case of this tire is better for my car, my driver, my team??
It would seem that Pirelli's monopoly has simply taken the pendulum to the opposite extreme!!
#379850
When there was 2 tyre suppliers before it was not good. You would have Michelin weekend and bridgestone weekends. To the point that if you where with the wrong tyre company for that certain track you would be lucky to score a point. Also the tyre companies had prefered customers. Eg all the Bridgestone runners had to adapt to what Ferrari needed from the tyre.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk
#379860
When there was 2 tyre suppliers before it was not good. You would have Michelin weekend and bridgestone weekends. To the point that if you where with the wrong tyre company for that certain track you would be lucky to score a point. Also the tyre companies had prefered customers. Eg all the Bridgestone runners had to adapt to what Ferrari needed from the tyre.


Yeah I remember those days and it was crap. Much prefer the one supplier.
#379871
When there was 2 tyre suppliers before it was not good. You would have Michelin weekend and bridgestone weekends. To the point that if you where with the wrong tyre company for that certain track you would be lucky to score a point. Also the tyre companies had prefered customers. Eg all the Bridgestone runners had to adapt to what Ferrari needed from the tyre.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk

That's about when I started following F1, so I do remember it, somewhat!
But, it's different today... well, sort of...

I mean, IF there were two tire suppliers and with limited in-season testing,
would it be in the best interest of both to develop tires that would work
with all teams and at all tracks?

If not that, then for pity's sake, the teams should be allowed to choose
which ever tires they want to run!! Why should Pirelli dictate that??
#379872
... Much prefer the one supplier.


You're probably right; but, it's completely frustrating that Pirelli determines
which tires will be used at which tracks and will even indicate how many laps
is the maximum the tires will last.

It's too predictable. It doesn't leave much room for strategizing on the part
of the teams/drivers.

See our F1 related articles too!