Graining limitation - Shorrock
Michelin’s F1 programme director, Nick Shorrock, explains how they selected the tyres for Interlagos. The final race of the 2006 season is also the final one of the French tyre supplier. Michelin hopes to say goodbye to the world of Formula One with both championship titles.
"The range of products for this weekend needs to be able to cope with a wide range of conditions. In both cases, the rubber is in the medium-hard range of compounds. Of course, this is our final race in F1 and we want to leave as champions. And there is plenty else at stake too: BMW-Sauber want to beat Toyota, Fisico needs to move ahead of Massa…"
The weather forecasts are predicting cool temperatures. Had you anticipated this?"We were not certain of the weather conditions we would encounter, and we have brought more than two types of tyres per team, and only made our final choice yesterday evening…"
In the cool conditions, it will be important to limit the graining…"Exactly. That’s always the big risk when the tyres are operating in cool conditions. We work hard to try and stop it happening but if it does, the important thing is for it to clear up as quickly as possible. The track will not be particularly hot this weekend: with air temperatures between 20°C and 22°C o Sunday, we will need to be sure we have chosen the right operating window with our tyres."
Source Renaultf1
