G.P. in the "Real" World - What Would You Do?

[wilshire]

I don't think that this is a matter of G.P. but rather a example of Michelin not being able to supply good racing tires. Not once did I see the feild change between matches to adapt to the new robots that were to compete on it during this year's season. What might have been a better alternative would have been bridgestone supplying tires to the Michelin teams. Both ways Michelin has suffered a serious blow by this happening and there could be alot of sponsorship deals changing now because of this. It would have been Gracious Professionalism fo the Bridgestone teams if possble to call upon Bridgestone tosupply tires for the other Michelin teams but then again you then present problems of the rival companies. It is unfortunate to the fans that this happened but that is the fact of what happened. Also to comment on IMS. My Godfather, who races GT class, has always loved coming down to IMS because of the friendliness he feels from the people in Indy and from the fans themselves.

Thats my two cents.

Originally Posted by wilshire

I don't think that this is a matter of G.P. but rather a example of Michelin not being able to supply good racing tires. Not once did I see the feild change between matches to adapt to the new robots that were to compete on it during this year's season. What might have been a better alternative would have been bridgestone supplying tires to the Michelin teams. Both ways Michelin has suffered a serious blow by this happening and there could be alot of sponsorship deals changing now because of this. It would have been Gracious Professionalism fo the Bridgestone teams if possble to call upon Bridgestone tosupply tires for the other Michelin teams but then again you then present problems of the rival companies.

Don't want to get off topic, this is a great thread, but there are a few corrections Id like to make to your post.

1. The tire situation was Michelin didnt know why the tire was busting on the (Normal Turn 1 of IMS) final turn (and only banked turn) of the Grand Prix course, and they offered replacement tires that the teams could use, if F1 would have allowed an 11th hour change (which changes made during that time are very rare). F1 denied the request because they felt that they shouldnt make a rule change for teams who "brought the wrong equipment" to the track. So in the end Michelin said, well we cant do anything about this, so if you feel our tire isn't safe at the track, don't race.

2. Bridgestone only had enough tires at the track for their 6 teams and getting them to send extras that close to the race would have been impossible. The 11th hour tire change request that was denied by F1 would also make this against the rules.

The tire manufacturers had their hands tied behind their back....if F1 would have allowed this rule change, then we probably would have had a full race.