FORUMula1.com - F1 Forum

[JamesD89]

I haven't followed F1 properly since around 2001 but started watching again this year. A few things have changed but I don't get why they're forcing drivers to use both compounds in a race.

It forces the cars to be slower for a period of the race - so either they get artificially overtaken by a car they shouldn't be, or they all follow the same soft-soft-hard schedule anyway.

What was wrong with picking the best tyres for your car?

[Frosty]

It's just another gimmick.

[Jabberwocky]

as I remember it was so that there was more overtaking, however as you pointed out people usually run the same tyre stints anyway. but then again some cars are a lot slower than others when not on the option tyre etc, so it does spice it up. but I agree it is a terrible rule

[JamesD89]

It's just another gimmick.

A bit of mix the field up, get some other name leading the race for a bit kind of gimmick?

as I remember it was so that there was more overtaking, however as you pointed out people usually run the same tyre stints anyway. but then again some cars are a lot slower than others when not on the option tyre etc, so it does spice it up. but I agree it is a terrible rule

That's 3 in agreement then. When did this rule come in? Is it a new thing they're likely to sweep under the carpet for 2010?

[Jabberwocky]

2-3 years ago IIRC but I am sure someone will know exactally

[headless]

2010 it will definatley be out

[NocturnalTendencies]

Somewhat related to this post, what do teams do with tires that have been used for a handful of laps? Are they set aside for testing, sent back to the manufacturer, etc.?

Thanks in advance.

Cheers

[McLaren Fan]

It's just another gimmick.

A bit of mix the field up, get some other name leading the race for a bit kind of gimmick?

What other name can it be given? It's an artificial, phony way of creating excitement in races.

[darwin dali]

It was introduced purely for business reasons: when Michelin pulled out, Bridgestone feared tires wouldn't be talked about anymore after years of tire wars, which would be bad for their investment in F1. So, they came up with this 'rule' to keep the brand name high profile.