Dirty Sanchez
04-02-04, 04:23 PM
Circuit to blame for Michelin failures.
Fri 02 Apr, 6:26 PM
Michelin technicians were relieved to point to a minor fault with the new Bahrain International Circuit as the cause of numerous tyre failures in the two practice sessions that opened the historic first grand prix meeting in the Middle East.
Fernando Alonso, David Coulthard and Anthony Davidson all lost time in the second hour when their tyres deflated - the Scot enduring a wild ride across one of the expansive gravel traps as a result - but Michelin programme manager Pascal Vasselon was able to point to a correctable problem out on track as the cause.
"Three of our drivers suffered damaged tyres during the course of today's free practice, and we have found identical marks on all three affected tyres," he said, "They all suffered kerb impact damage prior to deflating.
"Michelin has collaborated with the FIA's technical department in order to establish what caused this damage, and an inspection of the track has revealed that two drainage hatches have become detached from their concrete bases, creating sharp ridges that damaged any tyre that crossed them.
"A temporary cure was been set up for today's remaining track activities, and a permanent solution will be in place before F1 practice resumes tomorrow morning."
Fri 02 Apr, 6:26 PM
Michelin technicians were relieved to point to a minor fault with the new Bahrain International Circuit as the cause of numerous tyre failures in the two practice sessions that opened the historic first grand prix meeting in the Middle East.
Fernando Alonso, David Coulthard and Anthony Davidson all lost time in the second hour when their tyres deflated - the Scot enduring a wild ride across one of the expansive gravel traps as a result - but Michelin programme manager Pascal Vasselon was able to point to a correctable problem out on track as the cause.
"Three of our drivers suffered damaged tyres during the course of today's free practice, and we have found identical marks on all three affected tyres," he said, "They all suffered kerb impact damage prior to deflating.
"Michelin has collaborated with the FIA's technical department in order to establish what caused this damage, and an inspection of the track has revealed that two drainage hatches have become detached from their concrete bases, creating sharp ridges that damaged any tyre that crossed them.
"A temporary cure was been set up for today's remaining track activities, and a permanent solution will be in place before F1 practice resumes tomorrow morning."