Porsche’s pace on cold tires raises questions
Ferrari has clearly expressed doubts about its performance on cold rubber. According to James Calado, the German manufacturer uses a technique to increase tire temperature in the pits. This would explain their pace after changing tires.
Does Porsche cheat? This is at least what James Calado implies. For several days now, several teams have been pointing the finger at a competitor but never mention it. The British driver did not mince his words. Speaking to the press, he expressed his doubts about possible practices of the German manufacturer in the stands.
« We have doubts about their actions to condition the tires a little more. Porsche is much better on the out lap, but we don’t know why. They are faster than us in the first sector. Did they manage to raise the temperature before hitting the track? »
According to him, the slightest increase in temperature in the tires coming out of the pits can have a significant advantage. He estimates a gain of five seconds on the out lap if the tires are five degrees warmer. « It is not my job to check what they are doing. There are smart people everywhere who can do it.
The German manufacturer could increase the temperature of the heating in the garage, which would have a direct influence on the heating of Michelin products. Porsche’s advantage could therefore come from there.
Regardless, Ferrari has asked for a strict check of the tire temperatures to be carried out at the pit exit.
