Quote:
Originally Posted by 450knotOffice
Ultimately, however, it was Pirelli's tire design that seems not quite up to the task. I'm reminded of the Indy debacle nearly a decade ago.
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If I recall, that had to to with a track surface (after a repaving) that was different than the year before. Also a new rule had been put in place prohibitting in-race tire changes. Michelin had no testing data for the 2005 year at that track and got their design wrong. They were only allowed to bring 2 selections to the race, neither of which would do the full race distance. It should be noted that their tires had won every pole position and race up until that point, so maybe they were a little closer to the edge than Bridgestone. It should also be noted that they proposed a temporary chicane be used, as has been used by many other series, some even at that very track (MotoGP uses one, for example). Team politics, and the wrath of Mosely, prevented a solution from being put into place for the race.
Tire companies often get it wrong, whether they are a sole supplier or in competition with another manufacturer. MotoGP has had many such problems in recent years. Nascar even has problems from time to time, as heavily regulated as they are...
JR