Wet Testing - Valencia

[sonic]

So, Michelin must be confident they finally have a wet tyre to beat Bridgestone.

At Valencia TGF pounded round whilst pretty much everyone else sat in the garage waiting for it to dry out.

I know tyre companies do organise wet tests but it seems odd not to run in the wet when you have the opportunity and gain some data, especially when that has traditionally been Michelins weakest link.

[Adam43]

After not taking the opportunity to run in those conditions I hope they are not in for a surprise.

[Glen]

Given the high chance of rain in Malaysia, I'd have thought a wet test would be a good idea. Maybe the other teams weren't equipped with enough parts for a proper wet set-up, or possibly Michelin didn't have tyres available. Ah well.

[BootsOntheSide]

Glen's explanation seems more likely than sonic's. I really hope Ferrari don't dominate in the wet anymore, but it remains to be seen.

[Adam43]

First wet practice and it looked like Michael's pounding was worth it!

As much as we can tell, but the Bridgestones look like the tyre to have in the wets. Michael and Rubens 1-2 in the wet session. Karthikeyan was 4th in the session in the Jordan.

It looks like the same situation exists as previous years. The Michelins are the slick tyres to have in the damp conditions judging by the second session.

[sonic]

My comment was a bit tongue in cheek Boots,

Michelin have had years to get the wet tyre right and still can't, it would seem, get it within even a second a lap.

If there was another element of the car with such a big disadvantage they'd make sure they put in the time to sort it.

I just don't get why they are so apparently reluctant to sort this particular issue.

[Kicking-back]

I'm sure they're trying.

In fact, I would suggest there's enough evidence to mean the jury is still out on this.

[Adam43]

Well Kimi's and Montoya's laps just after Rubens suggest maybe the Michelin wet tyre isn't that bad. Although single laps hardly tell us much in those changing conditions. I think practice gave a little more insight as the Bridgestone runners seemed to have an advantage when they were alll lapping together. Obviously we need a situation where all are trying and on track at the same time.

[Rossi # 46]

Originally Posted by AdamAshmore

Well Kimi's and Montoya's laps just after Rubens suggest maybe the Michelin wet tyre isn't that bad. Although single laps hardly tell us much in those changing conditions. I think practice gave a little more insight as the Bridgestone runners seemed to have an advantage when they were alll lapping together. Obviously we need a situation where all are trying and on track at the same time.

Kimi's and Montoya's lap was on a drying circuit though. This has always been where Michelin have had the advantage.

Please, please, please let Michelin have a descent wet weather tyre this year!

[Adam43]

Yes, it was drying. Although Michelin's advantage has normally been slicks on a damp track, rather than one that wet IMO. Yoda voice: difficult to tell, it is.

[Rossi # 46]

Originally Posted by AdamAshmore

Yes, it was drying. Although Michelin's advantage has normally been slicks on a damp track, rather than one that wet IMO. Yoda voice: difficult to tell, it is.

Thats interesting, I havent looked at it that way.

[300kph]

MacLarens did their lap in a very wet track which is very far from drying track as sugested so I think the mich has now the tires for wet...

[Dutton]

Originally Posted by AdamAshmore

Obviously we need a situation where all are trying and on track at the same time.

That seems suspiciously like a race you are describing there.........

[Rossi # 46]

Originally Posted by Dutton

That seems suspiciously like a race you are describing there.........