Rubber strategy

[alesi95]

If like me you beleive that Ferraris main advantage over the competetion is the way it uses it's tyres you will have been apalled by Michelins attempts to haul them in especially in the case of Willaims who are heaviest on their boots.

We now rapidly approach thye British Gp a race that was once notorious in the 80's for Blistering and eating up rubber. This is a reputation it has failed to shake off a will no doubt be a massive struggle for Michelin and the afore metioned Williams.
Over one lap Williams and Montoya in particular are hard to beat but faced with the prospect of more than 2 laps they wilt step out of the way and signal the red cars through.

Nurburgring was a pretty infuriating gp and if I were a Williams driver the rattle would most definately be thown out of the pram. This is why it worries me more upon reading that Bridgestone are bringing a "Comprimise" tyre to Silverstone to make up for the high wear rate.

There have been no comments on what Michelin are using so no doubt the blue and white cars will be running on bare canvas by lap 4.

[alesi95]

Heres that Bridgestone article in full

Tyre manufacturer Bridgestone has developed a “compromise tyre” for the British Grand Prix this weekend to cope with the circuit’s contrasting qualities.

Although it is important to field rubber that is stable under braking and high-speed cornering, grip is also crucial in the slow sections of the Northampton layout, which has given engineers much to think about in preparation for the race.

‘There is an element of compromise in developing tyres for there,’ commented Bridgestone’s Technical Director Hisao Suganuma. ‘If you concentrate too much on finding stability in cornering and under braking, you may lose out on grip through the slower sections.

‘Our two specifications are quite similar, hence we are calling them option and primary. One is better for stability and consistency, while the other focuses more on grip. I expect the temperature will play a part in our teams’ choice since one spec may prove quicker in warmer conditions, the other in cooler weather.’

[R]

Yes, I do believe tyres play a big part in the performance difference. The Michelins seem to go "on" and "off" - the Bridgestones are far more stable. The European GP was not good in terms of competition at the top, and now the Ferrari domination looks set to continue at Silverstone, judging by your posts. OTOH, TGF has never really looked comfortable there since his shunt, so there may be hope yet...