We all know all the great cars in the world have very big wheels with very low profile tyres. Look at motorsport and the trend is continued, if not exaggerated - World Sportscars/BTCC/GT etc etc.

The lower the profile, the less sidewall flex, the tighter/firmer the turn-in, firmer the ride, better the feedback, more consistant the grip, etc etc etc


So why at the pinnacle of motorsport, do F1 cars have such high profile tyres and small wheels??

 

Gary as I believe it,
it is all to do with the Formula (the rules) hence the name "Formula" 1, stating that they have to use 13 inch wheels only, I think this was originally intended to keep the top speed of the cars down. So the Teams try to get round this by using tyres with extremely high profile's and hard sidewalls to in effect, give them a bigger rolling radius.
It was some time ago that I heard this so I could be wrong.

[This message has been edited by ian/555 (edited 16 June 2001).]

 

Gary

<OL TYPE=1>
<LI>Because that is what the F1 rules dictate.
<LI>Because F1 cars don't have a problem with fitting the size of disks that they want within the wheels.
</OL>
It's a strange set of regulations in F1 - like no four wheel drive or turbos - all designed to stop the big teams being too far ahead of the teams with less money.

Duncan

 

Simple Really

They work and thats what the rules demand..

Besides if the Ciggie companies wanted to promote bigger rubbers you think they wouldn't ??

Richard

 

I didn't think 4WD was banned was it?

I heard that Lotus were working on a 4WD F1 car but had too many understeer problems.

 

I personally think it was banned but could be totally wrong.

The fact that it weighs so much means it was just pointless in F1.