America: A circuit like no other

By Nick Sparkes
June 29 2006

The Indianapolis Speedway is a unique event on the 2006 calendar, probably only Monza comes close in terms of speed, but nothing can be compared to the banked corner of the oval, which finishes the lap. It’s a circuit like no other, and one the teams and drivers enjoy.

Pascal Vasselon talked about some of Indy’s most noticeable features. “The circuit has conflicting demands that lead to impossible compromises for both aerodynamics and tyres. You would like to run a Monza low downforce configuration for the banking, which features well over 20 seconds of full throttle. Then as soon as you enter the infield you would like to be in Monaco high downforce configuration. As for tyres, you need grip on the slow infield section but you cannot go too soft because there is a very high wear rate at the rear due to the rough asphalt on the banking.”

But like everyone else, the 2005 event which almost cost Formula One its place in America, is still fresh in everybody’s mind and something the tyre companies don’t want to repeat. “Last year's situation occurred because of Indy-specific tyre loading and track conditions which were difficult to simulate on a test rig. Both tyre companies will have learned lessons for 2006 and we hope for a much happier event this time.”