Tyres
Formula One racing features a single tyre supplier, with all teams
using identical Bridgestone rubber. The advantages of this (over
multiple tyre suppliers) include closer racing and reduced testing and
development costs.
At each Grand Prix every team is given access
to two specifications of dry-weather tyre. Unless conditions are wet,
drivers must use both specifications during the race. A green band on
the sidewall of the softer compound allows spectators to distinguish
which tyre a driver is on.
Over the race weekend, each driver
has access to 14 sets of dry-weather tyres, four sets of intermediate
tyres and three sets of wet tyres.
Teams are free to use
intermediate or wet tyres as they see fit during qualifying and the
race. However, during the preceding practice sessions, they may only be
used if the track has been declared wet by the race director. If a race
is started behind the safety car due to heavy rain, the use of wet
tyres is compulsory.
All tyres are given a bar code at the start
of the weekend so that the FIA can closely monitor their use and ensure
that no team is breaking regulations.
