Pirelli, Lotus Test 18 Inch Wheels

[cosworth151]

Charles Pic tested a Lotus shod with 18 inch wheels. the test happened on the last day of testing at Silverstone.

Pirelli says they could have 18, 19 or even 20 inch tires ready for the 2016 season.

They do give the car a distinctive look. Pirelli reported that the car needed only slight suspension changes.

http://www.racer.com/f1/item/105304-early-debut-for-18-inch-tyre-possible

[Scott]

Hot Wheels...

[F1fanaticBD]

If I am not wrong wasn't it Michelin who wanted bigger tyres? Also have increased diameter, wouldn't it be a bit of hindrance to the aerodynamics for current cars? And most important of all why do you need to change the size of the tyre? What are they trying to achieve?

[Scott]

I'm confused, and this article doesn't clarify it for me.  They are talking about bigger, 18" 'tires', yet according the the FIA, the tires are already 26.4" (670mm).  The rims are currently 13". 

If they are talking about bringing the rim size up to 18", which is what it looks like in the photo to me, then the tire size does not have to significantly change, in fact the photo suggests a much lower profile tire on a larger rim, so I suspect the tire size change is minimal.  The handling of the tire will be significantly different, with much smaller air chamber and very little sidewall camber.

The author of the article has made a mess of it, by referring to 'rubber', when I think he is talking about the component of the wheel that is anything but rubber.  Loves his jargon, but apparently is only confusing the issue...or have I got it wrong?

[cosworth151]

He didn't do a very good job of it. They are talking about increased wheel diameter and decreased sidewall height. The overall tire diameter would remain about the same. This would put the F1 tires more in line with current production, low profile high performance tires.

The major hitch might be that the tall, relatively flexible sidewalls of the current tires provide much of the travel in the suspension. Modern F1 cars are so strongly sprung that there is very little movement in the actual suspension components.

[John S]

The major hitch might be that the tall, relatively flexible sidewalls of the current tires provide much of the travel in the suspension. Modern F1 cars are so strongly sprung that there is very little movement in the actual suspension components.

As soon as I saw the photo I thought that'll end the carer of any driver with a back problem.    Probably give back problems to the rest as well unless they add more to F1's car suspension travel, Newey ain't gonna be happy.