Formula One ( F1 )

Thanks, I was under the impression that tyre wear was not so much of a problem with wet tyres and that block movement was the main concern, i.e the blocks deforming and blocking the channels so that the tyres clear less water and the chance of aquaplaning increases. Is this true?

Gridds, one other question for you, to your knowledge what do the teams make of the idea raised by Jean Todt to re-introduce active suspension and standardise the units to drive down costs now that a cost cap has been ruled out?

I've not heard that block movement or deformation was too much of a concern. The main concern is temperature management, tyre deformation as a whole (they only run at about 19-20psi) and having enough tread depth left for the conditions to prevent aquaplaning. The grooves are plenty wide enough not to close up and an extreme wet can lift an incredible amount of water off the track. However I wouldn't be surprised if some engineer somewhere has or is modelling block deformation.

The active suspension thing I'm a bit puzzled by. I can't see how it can save costs. Williams took about 5 years to develop their own then outlawed system. It takes a lot of development of the system and of the car around it, which is expensive. I can't see how all the teams would agree to a standardised system either. Each team has rather different philosophies when it comes to suspension. How would they agree who would develop the standard system? If it was to be introduced, in any form, teams would need a decent amount of warning as it's a major change. I'd be very surprised if it happens. I don't think the teams have given it too much thought yet to be honest. Besides it's not very 'F1' is it? These kinds of measures take away an important element of F1 in terms of technology development. By all means bring back active suspension, but not a standardised system. Suspension set up is a key part of the competition. Besides, active suspension only increases car speed and isn't that what the FIA are always trying to reduce?