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15th
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When the Formula 1 engine suppliers met in Geneva last week, one thing they discussed was how to bring the “wow factor” back in F1.
The whole idea would be to make the next-generation F1 cars go faster and become harder to drive. Such needed changes would include an increase in downforce, bigger tires and a more aggressive look.
Formula 1's current Pirelli PZero tires are 245mm wide at the front and 325mm (12.8 inch) wide at the rear.
As a comparison, the 1976 F1 cars sat on amazingly fat, 26 inches wide rear tires!
"Wider tires? That appeals. I think when you see the images of the 1970s cars, it's not so extreme that you think dragster, but you do think 'wow look at that',” said Pirelli motorsport director, Paul Hembery.
"At the moment, the tires are quite small from many points of view. We will do what whatever is needed to make the sport what it needs to be,” the Briton added.
Hembery believes that a good target to aim for would be an increase that makes the rears wider than 400mm (15.6 inches). Not only the cars would look great, but also they'd have much better traction out of the corners and increased overall grip.
The whole idea would be to make the next-generation F1 cars go faster and become harder to drive. Such needed changes would include an increase in downforce, bigger tires and a more aggressive look.
Formula 1's current Pirelli PZero tires are 245mm wide at the front and 325mm (12.8 inch) wide at the rear.
As a comparison, the 1976 F1 cars sat on amazingly fat, 26 inches wide rear tires!
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| Mercedes AMG W05, 2014 (Photo: WRI2) |
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| McLaren M26, 1977 (Photo: WRI2) |
"Wider tires? That appeals. I think when you see the images of the 1970s cars, it's not so extreme that you think dragster, but you do think 'wow look at that',” said Pirelli motorsport director, Paul Hembery.
"At the moment, the tires are quite small from many points of view. We will do what whatever is needed to make the sport what it needs to be,” the Briton added.
Hembery believes that a good target to aim for would be an increase that makes the rears wider than 400mm (15.6 inches). Not only the cars would look great, but also they'd have much better traction out of the corners and increased overall grip.