Kimi Raikkonen feels that the current wet weather tyres are not as good as those from over a decade ago.
Raikkonen crashed out of last weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix after losing control in the wet conditions - something he feels was solely down to the Pirelli tyres, whereas if he was using the Michelin and Bridgestone tyres he used during his days at McLaren and his first stint at Ferrari, he feels the outcome would have been different.
"These tyres are very vulnerable, very easy to aquaplane," said Raikkonen.
"Obviously it depends on the circuit, on many things, but if I'm comparing it to 10 years ago or 12 years ago, those tyres could handle this kind of water with no issues, no aquaplaning.
"The aquaplaning is the big issue. It looks like if you have a little bit of standing water there's zero grip."
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Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
Replies (3)
Login to replyStigsSon
Posts: 35
Hence the reason they don't run in severe wet weather. As viewers, we've gotten too used to this and think it's the norm'.
Cinturato's are useless, bring back Michelin as sole supplier.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Bridgestone and Michelin certainly did a much better job as suppliers, though we'll probably have to settle with Pirelli as long as Ecclestone remain in F1.
Hemex
Posts: 1,305
I remember seeing one driver who had no problem at all with the wets... ;-)
Besides, Pirelli is expected to have an improved type ready for next season. I don't really believe the problem is with the supplier, more like developing one in the first place, which costs money. Nobody would have them ready to roll straight from the shelves.