2013 British GP - Silverstone

[andreag]

What makes you think there's "no way" this is a puncture?

This seems entirely consistent with what was claimed to be going on – that the tyre got punctured, but didn't fail due to the steel tread, and then failed when it was under the highest load, and already damaged.

Steel tread?

I couldn't see any steel on that tire, but lots of what it looks like kevlar fibers.

As far as I know, Pirelli had to get all teams permission to change steel for kevlar, but three teams didn't agree.

Did they change it at their own risk?

[beelsebob]

What makes you think there's "no way" this is a puncture?

This seems entirely consistent with what was claimed to be going on – that the tyre got punctured, but didn't fail due to the steel tread, and then failed when it was under the highest load, and already damaged.

Steel tread?

I couldn't see any steel on that tire, but lots of what it looks like kevlar fibers.

As far as I know, Pirelli had to get all teams permission to change steel for kevlar, but three teams didn't agree.

Did they change it at their own risk?

Uhhh yeh, morning morning is morning – I meant steel band, not tread... that would be, interesting to drive on I imagine.

Anyway, they certainly wouldn't have changed it for kevlar off their own back, the FIA would be... spectacularly unhappy about that.

[andreag]

Uhhh yeh, morning morning is morning – I meant steel band, not tread... that would be, interesting to drive on I imagine.

Anyway, they certainly wouldn't have changed it for kevlar off their own back, the FIA would be... spectacularly unhappy about that.

Did you see any steel band either?

That was then:


But this is now:


If FIA is so unhappy as it showed their latest decision on Pirelligate, it's not so strange they change it at their own risk, as there's no risk at all.

[MOWOG]

You guys are absolutely fantastic at picking up on things like this AND finding photographic evidence to back it up. Well done! =D>

Those two photos certainly seen to show vastly different tires. If after all the hoopla about Pirelli wanting to make a change from steel to kevlar and the opposition from Force India and others, and then Tire Gate and all that silliness, for the tires at Silverstone to be substantially different than those used up to this point in the season would be a huge story.

But consider this. These drivers can feel the difference from a change in tire pressure of as little as .025 psi. Surely every one of them would know in an instant if such a major change to the tire construction occurred, would they not?

Hard to imagine that such a thing could be kept completely under wraps.

There must be an explanation, but I don't know what it is.

[Steven]

We're following the session live again at http://www.f1technical.net/live/
Join us there!

[beelsebob]

Uhhh yeh, morning morning is morning – I meant steel band, not tread... that would be, interesting to drive on I imagine.

Anyway, they certainly wouldn't have changed it for kevlar off their own back, the FIA would be... spectacularly unhappy about that.

Did you see any steel band either?

That was then:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BISM63PCAAIjVtb.jpg

But this is now:
http://oi44.tinypic.com/4ic46e.jpg

If FIA is so unhappy as it showed their latest decision on Pirelligate, it's not so strange they change it at their own risk, as there's no risk at all.

Sorry, I'm missing what you're trying to point out... In one instance the steel band is still attached to the tyre and the rubber is not, in the other, both the steel band and the rubber are lying on the track. This is the difference between a cut in the tyre's surface, and a cut in the tyre's side wall.

[zgred]

[godlameroso]

Well it seems my weather prediction was right....again...

If the Lotus end up on the second row we might see another Kimi win, however based on form so far I think Grosjean might take it this weekend.

[zgred]

[FoxHound]

Gotta hope Mercedes have something for the race tomorrow, their one lap pace is simply too much for Red Bull.

[Just_a_fan]

That was some qualifying lap by Hamilton! Rosberg was quick as you like ahead of the RBs but that last lap by Hamilton was stunning.

I think it's doubtful that the Mercs will keep that advantage tomorrow however...hotter temps will hamper Mercedes.

[stefan_]

Great qualifying for di Resta and Ricciardo.

[Morteza]

Great qualifying for di Resta and Ricciardo.

di Resta has really impressed me lately. Ricciardo is also showing he is worthy of an RB seat IMHO.

[stefan_]

Great qualifying for di Resta and Ricciardo.

di Resta has really impressed me lately. Ricciardo is also showing he is worthy of an RB seat IMHO.

Indeed, today Ricciardo was something like "Hey Helmut, look this way, I'm over here!". It's great to see him perform so well.

[JimClarkFan]

Anyone manage to get their hands on the pole lap?

Great qualifying for di Resta and Ricciardo.

di Resta has really impressed me lately. Ricciardo is also showing he is worthy of an RB seat IMHO.

Indeed, today Ricciardo was something like "Hey Helmut, look this way, I'm over here!". It's great to see him perform so well.

Does Helmut marco make that decision?
I didn't think Helmut was that high up in RBR.