Vasseur Urges F1 to Understand Unique Circumstances in Tyre Selection Process

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The FIA and Formula One Management are currently determining whether Pirelli or Bridgestone should be awarded the F1 official tyre supply contract for 2025 and beyond.

Both companies are esteemed in their field, with F1 teams notably avoiding showing a strong preference for either contender.

Vasseur remains impartial, expressing trust in both companies’ capability to deliver should they receive the final contract.

Nonetheless, he emphasises that it’s crucial for F1 leaders to fully understand the unique situations that each competitor is dealing with – Pirelli grapples with its current supplier challenges, while Bridgestone could face difficulties should it decide to re-enter the field.

In a conversation with F1 Flow.com, Vasseur shared his perspective on what the tyre companies can bring to the table. He said, “These are two significant firms, and I trust both.

“When it comes to Pirelli, I must concede that every season we’ve demanded new elements. Initially, we asked for more degradation, then less. We’ve transitioned from using electric blankets to preferring not to.

“Honestly, we’ve occasionally voiced complaints, but we’ve never pursued a consistent strategy regarding tyres.

“We’ve requested and received wider tyres, transitioning from 13 to 18 inches. With Pirelli, we’re familiar with the situation. It’s not always been flawless, but then again, nothing is.”

Vasseur suggested that maintaining consistency could be beneficial for F1, stressing the potential difficulties a newcomer like Bridgestone might face in developing products without extensive testing.

“As for Bridgestone, they’ve proven their competency in the past,” Vasseur commented. “I’ve had the chance to collaborate with them for several seasons, and it’s been a positive experience.

“However, we must remember that it’s not an easy task. Particularly when it might be challenging to arrange a comprehensive test programme for product development.

“It’s not feasible to consider using a Formula 2 single-seater for testing, as it carries less than half the downforce load of an F1 car.

“This point is important considering Bridgestone’s past experience in F1 involved regular on-track private tests.

“While the Japanese company undoubtedly has the expertise to provide a solid product, extensive on-track testing is necessary for its development, and this fact should not be overlooked.”

Additional reporting by Franco Nugnes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about F1 tyre suppliers

Q: What is the current evaluation process for selecting the official F1 tyre supplier from 2025 onwards?

A: The FIA and Formula One Management are currently evaluating whether Pirelli or Bridgestone should be awarded the official F1 tyre supply contract for 2025 and beyond.

Q: Do F1 teams have a clear preference between Pirelli and Bridgestone?

A: So far, F1 teams have not expressed a firm preference for one tyre supplier over the other.

Q: How does Vasseur view the capabilities of Pirelli and Bridgestone?

A: Vasseur maintains faith in both Pirelli and Bridgestone, believing that both companies are capable of doing a good job if chosen.

Q: What is Vasseur’s opinion on Pirelli’s track record as an F1 tyre supplier?

A: Vasseur acknowledges that there have been occasional complaints about Pirelli’s performance, but he recognizes that perfection is elusive and appreciates the progress made by the company over the years.

Q: What challenges could Bridgestone face if selected as the F1 tyre supplier?

A: Vasseur points out that Bridgestone may encounter difficulties in developing F1 tyres without the ability to conduct extensive testing, as they did in their previous F1 experience.

Q: What testing limitations does Vasseur mention for Bridgestone?

A: Vasseur highlights that using a Formula 2 single-seater for testing would be insufficient, as it lacks the necessary downforce load of an F1 car. He emphasizes that extensive on-track testing is crucial for successful product development.

Q: Is continuity important in the selection process?

A: Vasseur suggests that continuity with the current tyre supplier, Pirelli, could be beneficial for F1, as transitioning to a new supplier like Bridgestone may present additional challenges.

Q: How significant is the role of track testing in developing a good tyre product?

A: Vasseur emphasizes that extensive on-track testing is crucial for the development of a high-quality tyre product and should not be underestimated.

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4 comments

RacingFan88 July 21, 2023 - 5:58 am

vasseur is right, F1 need to understand the challenges faced by Pirelli n Bridgestone. They both got pros n cons. Continuity could b a gud thing, but Bridgestone may face testin probs.

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CarEnthusiast23 July 21, 2023 - 7:05 am

Pirelli n Bridgestone are two big names in tyres. Vasseur says Pirelli dealt with our complaints but no consistent tyre strategy. Bridgestone did a gud job in the past, but testin without much track time could b tough.

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RaceTrackRacer July 21, 2023 - 7:34 am

Vasseur’s point bout continuity makin sense. Bridgestone needs proper testin to develop. F1 tyre decision is important, can’t underestimate it. Let’s see what FIA decides! #F1Tyres

Reply
SpeedDemon42 July 21, 2023 - 12:10 pm

FIA n Formula One Management need to make the rite choice for F1 tyre supplier. Teams haven’t picked a fav yet. Vasseur trusts both, but wants F1 bosses to know each company’s circumstances.

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