F1 British Grand Prix

[ChillDoubt]

Anyone watching? They're going through tyres faster than the riders at the Tour de France! Exciting and unpredictable yes, but a tad dangerous too for some of the drivers behind the exploding tyres!

[ChillDoubt]

After that interview I think it's safe to say the Pirelli guys are not on Lewis's Xmas card list.

What I don't understand is how one manufacturer is allowed to monopolise F1. Surely that's not allowed under some EU fair competition/equal opportunity employment law?

I dare say one of you far more knowledgable peeps can help me out on that one?

[tonyav]

I think it's so that it makes a level playing field if you see what I mean Chill, all cars running on the same tyres.

[ChillDoubt]

Looks like Gary Anderson the F1 commentator has pinpointed the problem i.e. very sharp edge on turn 4 that has created a sharp lip on the apex, where the outer part of the apex drops by a centimetre or two, the exact point that caused Massa's tyre explosion.

Good spot.

[ChillDoubt]

I guessed that too Tony, but if they're going to do that they ought to do it for the engines too!
I wonder if they all have to use the same oil, lubricants and hydraulic fluids etc?
If not, doesn't seem fair.

[tonyav]

Well the engines do have to be all the same cubic capacity, I think that whatever oils and fluids that they use is their own choice. I suppose that could depend on who their sponsors are.

[ChillDoubt]

Exactly, which is why provided they meet the stringent FIA requirements I can't see why Goodyear, Bridgestone etc can't be allowed to provide tyres.
After all, Pirelli aren't doing their advertising any good with the way some of them have delaminated thus far over the season.
Thanks for the input.

[tonyav]

I agree Chill, Pirelli will no doubt lose some tyre sales because of this.