Tyre problems for WilliamsF1

For the BMW WilliamsF1 team the Turkish Grand Prix would see both team drivers suffer from a series of tyre failures which have become the focus of investigation by both the team and tyre supplier Michelin. With no other Michelin supplied drivers suffering from the same failures the team was now looking at what aspect of the FW27 would contribute to such failures.

WilliamsF1 Technical Director Sam Michael said: "It is disappointing that we had to retire both cars from the race. However, after the two rear tyre incidents on each car, we had no choice. It is too early to speculate what the cause is but we are looking into it now with our tyre partner, Michelin."

Prior to the race there was a warning issued by Michelin about avoiding the kerbing at Turn 13, after Webber suffered a tyre failure in Saturday's final practice session, but is not believed that this was the cause of the failures on the WilliamsF1 cars.

Nick Shorrock, Director of Michelin's Formula One activities, said "We looked at our tyre and we didn't find any technical anomaly.

"When we looked on the track what we did find on turn 13 is that there is a kerb which is a little bit more aggressive perhaps than the others.

"(We said that) potentially the danger could be that if the drivers take that on the inside, as they do because you can see the tracks, coming back they could pinch the tyre."

As for what had caused the WilliamsF1 cars alone to suffer these failures Shorrock added: "It could be anything. It could be the kerb, it could be the car. We've nothing yet to identify the cause."