Rumours of Tyre Rule Change
Speculations have emerged that the teams have agreed to a new tyre rule - that is the drivers who qualified in the top ten positions will have to start the race on the same tyres they used during the qualifying session.
Previously, the drivers were allowed to start on fresh new tyres to the race so long as they have not exceeded their quota of "14 sets of dry-weather tyres, four sets of intermediate tyres and three sets of wet tyres".
There are two types of tyres - the soft compound type and the hard compound tyres. The former provides better lap time in most tracks but it wears out quicker due to the softer nature. The hard compound tyres would last longer, but will give a slower lap time.
However, with the ban on refuelling, the teams will also have to take into account the fuel strategy. With the entire race load of fuel at the start, drivers with the softer compound will face faster wear and tear to their tyres if they do not take care. Going early to pit and change their tyres might negate their advantage gained with a good position at the start if they fail to pull away from the rest.
This rule, proposed by the F1 Sporting Working Group (SWG), has yet to be made official, it is still pending approval from the FIA's World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) and the F1 Commission.
