Trulli eager for a return to slick tires

Trulli hopes for the reinstatement of slick tires in F1 as soon as possible, as he believes that the current grooved rubber tires result in a certain driving style and limit overtaking.

Bridgestone confirmed that it will supply this type of tire to the teams present next week for the tests in Jerez. The Japanese manufacturer wants to collect data in preparation for a possible return to slick tires in 2009.

No decision has yet been made regarding future regulations on tires, but Trulli stated that he would be very supportive of a comeback of these very specific tires in races.

« I had the chance to use slick tires during my first year in F1, and I would be very happy if they could be allowed in races again, » said the Toyota driver to Autosprint.

« I have never liked the current tires, particularly because of the driving style they impose on the driver and the behavior they cause during a race. »

Formula 1 is the only major race where very specific standards must be applied, and Trulli believes it would be better for F1 to align with other motorsports.

« The change of tires requires a completely different driving style. It’s not a problem of technical characteristics, it’s a problem of tires, » he said.

« After a few laps, the behavior of a new set of tires changes radically. The contact areas overheat more easily, and understeer increases dramatically. »

This forces the driver to a much more nervous driving style. After about ten laps, once the graining fades away, the car becomes easier to drive again… In fact, the more precise the driver is in their driving style, the harder it will be for them to adapt to the tires…

He also believes that the return of slick tires would help improve the quality of the race.

« If there are few overtakes in F1, it’s the fault of the tires, » declared the Italian.

« If they also banned refueling, it would be even better, because managing a car with 200 kg of fuel on board in terms of braking would be an excellent way to differentiate between experienced drivers and the others. »

« Probably the ban on anti-skid systems will increase the number of problems with the current tires. But it would be good if the slick tires made a return. Why not at the start of the 2009 season? » Concluded Jarno Trulli.