Weight distribution for the 2012 Pirellis

[raymondu999]

Hey guys. This year the rules were changed to mandate a certain weight distribution to stop some teams "lucking in" to the tyre weight distribution sweet spot. Do you think that the weight distribution is close to what the sweet spot is? Do you think we'll see a spread next year, or will teams stick to what they know in terms of weight distribution and not stray too far with what they have this year?

I think they might try moving some weight forward; seeing as this year most of the degradation and wear has been on the rear axle and not much on the fronts; though maybe structurally the front axle may get some punishment in fast corners this year too.

[mep]

However we will never get any chance to figure out because none of the teams is going to tell us something about their weight distribution.

[Jersey Tom]

Do you think that the weight distribution is close to what the sweet spot is?

The "sweet spot" is whatever you decide it to be for how you want the car to react and what is most important to you.

From where I sit there's no way of knowing what the best is. Beyond that I'm sure the next round of Pirelli tires will likely evolve anyway and move the target.

[raymondu999]

True; Paul Hembery said a while back that they're making the sidewalls more "vertical" rather than the more bulbous shape they have right now and a different profile shape to allow a larger contact patch from the shoulder

[godlameroso]

I think the tires are almost perfect as they are, from the point of view of their grip, and their ability to spice up the show. I truly hope they don't end up making tires as durable as the old bridgestones.

[MIKEY_!]

Yes being like the bridgestones would defeat the purpose. In theory the old tyres were better but one stop strategies = boring.

[Jersey Tom]

I don't think having "durable" tires are a bad thing. I wouldn't even say the Bridgestones were that "durable." They wouldn't give up as much on their own, but I'm not sure how much you could really push them. Flat spot from lock-up on entry or push too hard and you screwed yourself - or at least that seemed to be what I noticed from casually watching a handful of races.

How does one expect the drivers to really have the race in their hands and be able to get after one, if you know that when you botch an overtaking attempt that you're screwed the next few laps.

Currently yes, things are more interesting because the performance and degradation are so poor that you can get lead changes, pit strategy, etc.

Ideal scenario IMO would be a tire that's very forgiving to being pushed and abused.

Then again much of this isn't the main issue IMO. You still have the problem that a handful of teams dominate, and everyone else is left to hope for crashes and other retirements to have a chance at a good finish. I think that sucks for entertainment and for encouraging start-up teams... when you know you pretty much have no chance.

[MIKEY_!]

you might be on to something IMO if they could get current levels of grip + 2 to 4 stop strategy + resistance to flat spotting it would be fantastic. it would encourage passing as the drivers wouldn't be so worried about messing up.

[marcush.]

Why should there be no punishment for a lack of finesse? A free lunch for lunatics abusing their tires?
I have to say the aspect of seing some drivers struggle with tire charecteristics and unable to harness themselves to NOT overdo is fascinating ,especially when some really excell in that.
If it does not matter you will of course help the spectacular drivers ,but surely the current state of affairs with tyres very weak does not prevent the drivers to try and have a go.

[Jersey Tom]

Why no penalty for being aggressive? So that drivers actually have the opportunity to attack, rather than just parading around like F1 has been for ages.

[godlameroso]

In addition, the talented drivers that are stuck with the crap boxes, are basically getting to understand the tires better than the drivers with the best cars. Because the crap boxes are less aero dependent, it forces a driver to refine his skill, and the tires play a bigger role in the overall performance. I wonder what would happen if Glock, or Kovalinen, or any of the other good drivers stuck in crap boxes were to move up to a better car. Would they be able to extract more from a good car, after conditioning themselves to extract performance from an inferior vehichle?

[marcush.]

JT no issue there .I don´t think aggressive is the same as abusing tyres.
Some drivers seem to be more at home having a feel for the race .
Just look at the idiotic aggressiveness shown by Webber and Vettel in silverstone.
Not a half chance to get by with something like that but big risk for your aero appendages /dnf .If you like that ..fine with me.
My preference is a guy who does a intelligent,well planned move ,does commit and fight it out as planned-either ending in front or in tears for both .