Originally posted by Philip Lee KK
not 100% sure but i thought they had tyre blankets from the 80s.
I recall seeing them in person in the '80s. At that time, there were very few things of that sort that
weren't allowed.
Today, there is absolutely no reason for tire warmers. Back when tire warmers were introduced, tire pressures were not monitored in real time. Today, real-time electronic pressure sensors are even commonplace on road cars. The only safety justification for the blankets was when such pressures could not be monitored in real time, that is simply no longer the case.
Many have asked why they should be banned. My reason is simple, I think it will make for
far better racing. The best drivers are able to do amazing things on cold tires. A 800 HP car with cold tires rewards supreme car control. The technical superiority of a car has hugely overshadowed driver talent for too long. This change will start to even the scale.
Bottom line, banning tire warmers will
definitely result in more passing and better racing. Of that I've no doubt. That reason alone justifies the removal of this anachronistic driver aid.