Tyres are arguably the single most important element of a Grand Prix
car's performance. They can have a bigger impact on its speed than any
other individual
element.
This year, there is a tyre war for the first time since 1998,
as Michelin enter F1 to take on Bridgestone. Lap times are expected to
tumble.
Tyres are mounted on lightweight aluminium wheels rims, which are
attached to
the suspension by a single wheel nut. Wheels house ultra-high tech
carbon-fibre
brakes that glow red hot at their operating temperatures of up 1,300
degrees
Celsius. They can stop a car from 180mph to 50mph in less than two
seconds. Power steering is allowed for 2001, but will be banned after
that.
