Michelin changes F1 tyre design model following Indianapolis investigation

Clermont-Ferrand, France--Michelin has concluded its investigations into the US Grand Prix at Indianapolis, and has said that the tyres did the job they were designed to do, but the design was inadequate for the speeds and loads on the circuit.

Michelin said in a statement, "The Michelin investigations have revealed that the loads exerted on the rear left tyre through Turn 13 at Indianapolis were far [higher than] the highest estimations of Michelin's engineers." The company concluded, "Michelin has revised its simulation model for 'banked' corners such as Turn 13 at Indianapolis in view of the special effects caused by this corner."

Michelin said the company had been unable to test on the Indianapolis circuit prior to the 2005 Grand Prix, and in the event, "the situation through [turn 13] turned out to be altered by the extreme combination of the speed, lateral acceleration and additional dynamic load. As a consequence of the inability to test on the circuit, said Michelin, its engineers "had to carry out simulation work based on the results of less severe testing at other venues and on estimations concerning the specific conditions likely to be met at Indianapolis in 2005.

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Statement from Michelin

Press releases from Michelin