DECEMBER 14, 1998

Mosley confirms all-weather tires

FIA President Max Mosley confirmed in Monaco that the governing body is looking to introduce an all-weather tire formula for the 2001 season. This will mean that tire manufacturers will not have to develop wet and dry tires as at present but can concentrate on a single treaded tire construction which will work in all weather conditions.

This will have the effect of slowing the cars in the dry as the tread necessary for wet weather conditions will mean a further reduction in the contact patch between the tires and the road surface.

This is good news for tiremakers as it will reduce development costs and will also enable the tire companies to sell road-going rubber with the same tread patterns which are used in racing - a valuable marketing tool. The plan appears to be an attempt to lure more tire companies into the sport so as to add a tire variable into the races.

It remains to be seen if anyone other than Bridgestone decides to take up the challenge.