Technical Focus: Engineers Know Silverstone Well

By Michelin Sport
July 6 2005

Michelin engineers know the Silverstone Circuit well from testing, leaving them and their seven customer teams well prepared for this weekend's British Grand Prix.

Pierre Dupasquier, Michelin motorsport director:

"Unlike Magny-Cours, where we won last weekend’s French Grand Prix, Silverstone is a track our engineers know very well because we conduct a number of test sessions here throughout the year.

"Silverstone features a number of rapid directional changes and it is very important to have a chassis with good stability. Furthermore, the asphalt tends to be quite abrasive and the high-speed corners put a significant lateral load on tyres, which makes this one of the most challenging venues of the season from our perspective.

"With these parameters in mind, Michelin’s partner teams will each be able to choose two of four available tyre compounds from the harder end of our range.

"Variable weather can also influence the outcome at Silverstone, but come rain or shine I hope that Michelin will once again demonstrate the winning edge that has been a hallmark of the 2005 Formula One season."

Driver perspective: David Coulthard, Red Bull Racing:

"There is no individual section that’s the key to a good lap at Silverstone. Nailing Becketts – a high speed corner with a sudden change of direction – always helps and is particularly satisfying from a driver’s point of view. With regard to optimising tyre wear, all a driver can do is ensure his chassis is well set up – balance and consistency are definitely the key. Silverstone is one of my favourite tracks and I love driving there."