Sauber makes changes

[Mike Rotch]

I just heard that Sauber has decided to run Michelins next year. That leaves Ferrari as the only competitive Bridgestone team in F1.

It is strange that Sauber would switch. I mean, most of their points have come this year because their tyres have had a race advantage over the midfield. Weird.

 

[Pupik]

Didn't Sauber also create a stir by doing likewise a few years back? You had the "works" Ferraris on Bridgestones, and Sauber's "customer-engined" team running on Michelins, as i recall.

As it was, I don't think there's any sort of advantage; it's not as if the engine techs really have anything to do with the control tyres each manufacturer receives.

 

[Mike Rotch]

*failing memory*

I suppose the difference may not be crevase-like, but their raw speed was pretty average this year. If one's speed is roughly the same as everyone else, a possible advantage to be gained is by using different tyres.

I also wonder how long Bridgestone will want to stay in F1 when they only supply one points scoring team now.

 

[livemusic]

But it´s THE points scoring team.

 

[kensei]

This isn't a shock to me. The Sauber/Ferrari relationship seemed to fall apart over the course of the season.

I don't see it as bad for Ferrari either. Having bridgestone basically make the tires specifically for the Ferrari gives them a huge advantage, even if the testing miles are way under what the Michelin runners are doing.

 

[Pupik]

I also wonder how long Bridgestone will want to stay in F1 when they only supply one points scoring team now.

Bridgestone must supply at least 30% of the teams with tires to stay in F1. I wonder what will happen if Jordan or Minardi disappears...

On the other hand, what would a Michelin-shod Ferrari run?

 

[Nasadus]

But Ferrari has acces to Sauber telemetry so if Sauber were to switch to Michelins then Ferrari would be able to see when and where the Michelins perform better and why.And seeing the close relationship between Bridgestone and Ferrari this could work in their favour.

 

[Majarvis]

But Ferrari has acces to Sauber telemetry so if Sauber were to switch to Michelins then Ferrari would be able to see when and where the Michelins perform better and why.And seeing the close relationship between Bridgestone and Ferrari this could work in their favour.

That's what I was thinking, too.

 

[Eagle]

Hmm, now that's an interesting thought indeed.

I'd say Bridgestone and Ferrari would make Minardi and Jordan an offer they can't refuse to keep Bridgestone in the business, and essentially exclusively producing for Ferrari. Michelin gets in a lot more testing, but it's not like Ferrari didn't have a 3 day test every damn week of the year this year, except for mid-summer.