{"id":46793,"date":"2024-02-28T16:30:13","date_gmt":"2024-02-28T15:30:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=1789803"},"modified":"2024-02-28T17:45:29","modified_gmt":"2024-02-28T16:45:29","slug":"why-do-f1-cars-need-warm-tyres","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/why-do-f1-cars-need-warm-tyres\/","title":{"rendered":"Why do F1 cars need warm tyres?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Formula 1 tyres spend most of race day in cosy warm blankets \u2013 but why do drivers need warm tyres to begin with? <\/p>

By Dan McCarthy\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 28 February 2024 at 15:30 PM<\/p>

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Before the start of every race, cars are lined up on the grid receiving final checks before they action commences.<\/p>\n

A noticeable feature is the tyres, or more specifically, the blankets that cover them while they lie stationary on the grid.<\/p>\n

Additionally, before the race begins proper, cars will undertake a formation lap where they follow the safety car in grid order at a slow speed in order to warm-up the tyres.<\/p>\n

Tyres have become an increasingly important aspect of F1 and you will rarely go five minutes without hearing commentator or pundit refer to them.<\/p>\n

Regardless of their age or their compound (hard or soft tyres), they have to be warm for drivers to feel comfortable and RadioTimes.com<\/a> will explain why.<\/p>\n

Check out more Formula 1 coverage: F1 calendar 2024<\/a> | Watch F1 on TV<\/a> | Listen to F1 on radio<\/a> |\u00a0F1 highlights<\/a> | F1 presenters<\/a> | F1 on Channel 4<\/a><\/strong><\/p>

Why do drivers warm up their tyres?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Very simply, warmer tyres are grippier on the tarmac and that is essential when driving a car which can be chucked around corners at 190mph.<\/p>\n

When lining up on the grid before the start of a race, the tyres are wrapped up in covers \u2013 acting almost like a blanket \u2013 in order to preserve as much heat in them as possible.<\/p>\n