Pirelli will take Bridgestone's place after 2010

[Jersey Tom]

Maybe if a new company was to come in, they could go to a wider, harder tire, keeping grip levels about the same via the width, enabling a company to come in with less difficulty, and with less development lead in time.

You'd think so.. but it's immensely challenging even then.

[mx_tifoso]

We all know that the super sticky tires that have the most grip AND life are the golden chalice everyone seeks.

Haven't you seen "The Da Vinci Code"? The chalice is a heap of BS . If tires had a life that lasted the whole race we wouldn't have pitstops, and there would hardly be any talk about the tire maker, so that's out of the question IMO. It's certainly the best idea though, imagine how many tires would be saved throughout the season.

Any Toyokohamkho will automatically be rated as a cheap 'plug'.

IMO, F1 should dramatically increase tire grip and limit DF.

I agree, increasing the importance of mechanical grip and decreasing aero sounds like a good idea. But isn't the aero a part of what makes F1 so "special"? ... At least to the common fan. Although by limiting DF teams would have to focus on lowering the cd thus continuing the drive for efficiency.

And it wouldn't be a problem if tires continued as they are for a few more seasons, if anything is lacking now a days it's continuity. Hopefully Bridgestone can provide it.

But is it too much to say that I would like Michelin back? I know, I know, they don't want to be sole supplier, etc.

Maybe if a new company was to come in, they could go to a wider, harder tire, keeping grip levels about the same via the width, enabling a company to come in with less difficulty, and with less development lead in time.

You'd think so.. but it's immensely challenging even then.

What's the problem with that? It's not like they're doing it for free or in an unknown industry.

[WhiteBlue]

They will find a supplier. The price will go down to the point where FOM may even have to pay to get tyres. I agree that nobody at the current state of F1 can afford a tyre war. The requirements in terms of competitiveness to the current control tyre do not exist. If the tyres are 5 s slower nobody cares. They are the same for all. All you need is safety and the lowest price to pay / highest contribution for FOM. I would not be surprised if tyres would become an expense for FOM in the future.

[Chaparral]

I wouldnt mind betting that Avon will replace Bridgestone they already supply most formulas outside of F1

[xpensive]

I think it would be an xcellent opportunity for Continental to promote the somewhat neglected Gislaved brand?

[dlstanf2]

Bridgestone seems proud of their tires in the Aussy GP. Proud enough to drop sponsorship? Would be nice to see other companies come online and have a variety of tire manufacturers compete now that it is a no gas, "tires only" race.

[mx_tifoso]

Welcome to THE forum Dlstanf2,

This topic is already being covered in the linked thread below, please feel free to add/continue your comments there.

Bridgestone leaves after 2010

[Smokes]

I would love to see avon become an F1 Supplier but a think that it would be strecth too far for the company, now if they could sell their tyres it would be a diffrent matter

[segedunum]

The thing I find curious is that no one wants to do it.

Bridgestone are adamant that they are pulling out because they don't believe it is commercially viable, Michelin have given a flat 'no' after they got stung, Goodyear have said 'no' after they got stung the last time they were in and companies like Pirelli aren't interested at all now probably because the costs are too high.

Chickens coming home to roost there, possibly?

[manchild]

[Jersey Tom]

If Michelin wants to be bent over and rammed in the rear by FOM..

[Belatti]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tire_companies

There you go a -maybe- complete list of tyre manufacturers all arround the globe.

Begin the cross out

[Pandamasque]

They will find a supplier. The price will go down to the point where FOM may even have to pay to get tyres. I agree that nobody at the current state of F1 can afford a tyre war. The requirements in terms of competitiveness to the current control tyre do not exist. If the tyres are 5 s slower nobody cares.

Bruno Senna would object to that. That would slow his car down from GP2 pace to F3 pace.

[riff_raff]

It's tough for suppliers to make a profit in the current automotive market. So there's little extra budget for luxuries like F1 participation.

The rare bright spot is Cosworth. They've turned a small profit. But it was due to their aerospace contracts, and not their race engine revenues.

Maybe F1 can attract a Korean or Chinese tire manufacturer?

[WhiteBlue]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/82623?

Apparently Michelin have proposed to change wheels from 13 to 18 inches of diameter. I have mixed feeling about this as Gascoyne does. I think it would probably make more sense to go to wider rear tyres in order to increase mechanical grip. Running a lower profile tyre as Michelin proposes could open F1 to more variation of suspension systems as engineers would have to compensate for the suspension effect of the high side walls.