Ferrari fears the consequences of the ban on tire warming
Fearing for everyone's safety, Ferrari drivers regret the ban on tire warming. Even though they think this measure could work in their favor.
At each edition, there is a first. This year, at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, tire warmers in the pits will be banned. Just like the other rounds of the World Endurance Championship. Until now, the 24 Hours of Le Mans had been spared.
This measure was supposed to come into effect last year, but after the many incidents at the 2023 Spa 6 Hours, it was postponed. Now, the Le Mans classic is on an equal footing with the other races of the season. A choice that Ferrari drivers regret.
In my opinion, it’s a bad choice, dangerous and not useful at all, so it’s not positive. I don’t think it’s an advantage, despite the fact that we have shown that we are among those who best warm up the tires, so it could also work in our favor. We risk very serious accidents and I don’t believe it adds anything to the competition, said Alessandro Pier Guidi, driver of car number 51.
The Italian’s opinion is shared with the men occupying the neighboring garage. « It is something that concerns us. We have seen in the past that it was not easy, and we will have to be very careful because there is a risk of losing the race in one fell swoop. In my opinion, we should reconsider this decision, because safety is not guaranteed 100%, » believes Miguel Molina.
If so far this measure has not caused any major incidents at other championship events, at Le Mans, we will need to be extra vigilant. At night, temperatures are much cooler, which complicates tire warming. Grip will therefore be much less.
