The Fastest Cars Require The Fastest Changes

There’s no doubt that Formula 1 racing is all about incredible speed, and to achieve this, you need a perfectly conditioned car. However, such extraordinarily high speeds take its toll on the tyres of F1 cars, which need regularly changing to ensure a quality performance and a car that will allow you to reach your potential.  But unfortunately time is unforgiving during any race, and a few seconds might not seem a lot to you and I, but to an F1 driver it can mean the difference between winning and losing the title.

Given this, the fastest cars in the world depend on the fastest tyre changes to keep them ahead of the game, making them tough competition for their opponents. This requires great skill and expertise from the F1 pit stop crew who are under immense pressure for a quick, professional and safe turnaround, getting the driver back on the track and competing for first place.

During the German Grand Prix last year we witnessed exactly this when McLaren’s team replaced Jenson Button’s tyres during the Hockenheim competition. The team carried out the fastest pit stop ever made in the history of Formula 1 racing, achieving the –almost – impossible when Button was held stationary for a record breaking 2.31 seconds whilst all four tyres were swapped, giving him a competitive edge by putting him back in the race with hardly any time lost.

Principal of the McLaren team, Martin Whitmarsh, acknowledged the team’s huge efforts in a press release, stating; “That’s quite unbelievable and not only a testament to our belief in the processes and equipment we put in place to improve our performance, but also to the commitment and determination of the guys on the ground to improve and refine their technique. Well done to everyone for a quite phenomenal achievement!”

For those of you wondering if 2.31 seconds is a time worth commending, other times achieved by the team include:

Lewis Hamilton:

Stop 1 – 5.60 seconds
Stop 2 – 2.85 seconds
Stop 3 – 3.83 seconds

Jenson Button :

Stop1 – 3.26 seconds
Stop 2 – 2.31 seconds (world record)

And to put this into further perspective, at NASCAR (The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) competition, a four tyre change was roughly ten seconds slower than this! So this amazing achievement for McLaren was definitely one worth celebrating.

This highlights the importance of good tyre fitting and the difference it can make to a driving performance. This also applies to the tyre fitting or ordinary (none F1) cars, as a good quality and well-fitted tyre can make for a reliable and smooth driving experience.

 

So if you’re looking for a professional fitting of good quality tyres in the Lincoln area, then get in touch with Auto Exhausts and Tyres today, where you can find Goodyear, Dunlop and Hankook tyres, as well as many more.