Fast Cars

Great details on the reasons for Michelin's fast car request at Indianapolis.

The main culprit was turn 13 at Indianapolis considered to be the only real banked turn in Formula One racing. With an angle of up to nine degrees, it demands a left-right compromise on suspension set-up. The left tyres take the heaviest strain, particularly their shoulders, with tyre temperature increasing in this area as a result. If this temperature is too high for too long, wear rates rise dramatically and can lead to failure. Michelin's request to allow tyre changes for safety reasons without penalising the teams was denied, as were the teams' requests to add a chicane to turn 13; all ruled as being against regulations. No surprises in the results as Schumi won facing no real competetion. His disappointment at the win was however clearly seen at the podium, with Tiago Monteiro being the only one really celebrating the hollow victory.

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