New F1 Tyre Regulations

The 2005 season will see the introduction of new regulations governing competition vehicles. The FIA has assigned experts to ensure that speeds will be reduced in the next Formula 1 season. The decision will also lead to further rules regarding tyres.

Current discussions are centring on whether to prescribe an additional fifth groove on the tread pattern, a decision that Bridgestone and Michelin are likely to accept. Another suggestion is to halve the number of permitted test days from 48 to 24 and to reduce the number of tyre sets per day to six.

BMW Williams director, Patrick Head, made the proposal to introduce harder tyre compounds, which could lead to complete a overhaul of procedures. Mr Head told the ‘F1 Total’ online news service that using harder tyre compounds would give drivers on the racing line less grip and that the only alternative would be to re-introduce slicks.