GPWizard F1 Forum
F1 News & Discussions => Pit Pass => Topic started by: John S on August 23, 2009, 03:21:50 PM
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When I first saw this report on autosport today I thought this must be part of the cost cutting and half expected the cars to have tin cans attached to the wheels. :o :crazy:
Thankfully it's a measure to help the enviroment, phew what a relief. :D
Bridgestone has replaced its lead balance weights with tin ones on all Formula 1 and GP2 Series wheels from the European Grand Prix onwards.
The Japanese tyre manufacturer believes the use of tin will have less of an environmental impact - and uses almost a metric tonne (1000 kg) of wheel balance weights over the course of a season.
Bridgestone also reports that processes have also been put in place to enable recycling of the new tin weights.
Director of Bridgestone Motorsport Hiroshi Yasukawa said: "Lead weights have been used in Formula 1 for many years and offered a good technical solution.
"However we now believe that we have a more environmentally sound method with tin weights.
"We have also changed our processes as well to enable recycling of all the waste weights after they have been used. We are very grateful for the close co-operation of all the teams in assisting us to make this change."