Heat will be biggest factor

In the second round of the 2006 FIA Formula One World championship, to be held in Malaysia, it is not only the cars and drivers that have to withstand the extraordinary test. The tyres also have to cope with extreme demands, reveals Michelin's F1 Director, Nick Shorrock.

Over the course of a GP weekend, every driver may use seven sets of tyres and the qualifying session in Bahrain proved that it is vital to ration your new tyres, as the fastest lap times were set on brand-new tyres.

Due to the extreme heat, the race action at Malaysia's 'Sepang International Circuit' is particularly demanding for the tyres. NicK Shorrock, Michelin's Formula One Director, says: "The second race of the season takes place in something of a Formula One hotspot. It will be a very demanding weekend for the tyres manufacturers. Several long straights put quite a strain on the rear tyres, but sustained ambient heat is the biggest factor."

According to Shorrock, the consequences are obvious: "We expect things to be much warmer in Malaysia than in Bahrain and will turn to slightly more rigid tyre constructions."