Slick tires may not be allowed in 2009!

The President of the FIA – Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile – Max Mosley, warned the 11 Formula 1 teams this morning that despite new regulations regarding the aerodynamics of the cars, the return of slick tires in 2009 is not yet certain.

Indeed, slick tires, made with rubber that allows maximum grip on the track, will only be allowed and authorized in 2009 under a certain condition.

The new aerodynamic rules, imposed by the FIA for 2008 and which further limit the downforce of single-seaters, must be sufficiently effective so that the arrival of slick tires in 2009 does not compensate for the lack of grip caused by the loss of downforce.

« The theory is as follows: much less aerodynamic support and more grip should significantly improve racing conditions and overtaking, » stated Mosley.

The English continues by mentioning the main issue of this new regulation: « If it turns out that the loss of grip caused by the reduction in downforce is not significant and the cars continue to drive just as fast through the corners, we will continue to prohibit slicks and only allow grooved tires [like those in 2007]. »

« We have sometimes seen that when we reduced the aero support by 50%, there was no effect on the speeds of the single-seaters… so we want to take action… » Explained Mosley.

The slick tires provided by Bridgestone and used in 2009 are still in the testing phase. They were tested at the end of the year during private testing sessions in Barcelona and Jerez last week and seem to make a good impression, according to the drivers.