Open vs Closed Wheel Profile Question

Villanuevas_BMW · #1 (**permalink**) 09-14-2003, 06:05 PM

Im watching the Monza Grand Prix and they are talking about the legality of the tires, then this question dawned on me. Is it me or does it seem that the profile of Formula 1 tires are much more than the profiles of closed wheel racing? Why?

SG_M3 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-14-2003, 08:20 PM

the FIA rules mandate tire sizes, even though they have high side walls they are still really stiff.

BMW Club Racer · #3 (**permalink**) 09-15-2003, 02:31 PM

F1 cars use 13 inch wheels, I'm not exactly sure of the tire size. A few of the reasons why they use 13 inch wheels.
1: it keeps the cost of wheels and tires down.
2: it keeps the cost of brakes down, since the brakes can only be a certain size to fit inside 13 inch wheels.
3: by using a tire with a large profile does a couple of things, allows the tire to become part of the suspension design for handling and comfort over bumps since they will flex more then low profile tires, and these tires also give great feedback to the drivers so they can control the car easier.