Electric blanket (motorsport)
Electric blankets (English tire warmers ) are used in motorsport to heat the tires of a vehicle to the required operating temperature before they are used. The blankets bring the tires to a temperature of around 80 ° Celsius, usually a little below the ideal operating temperature. Tires preheated by electric blankets achieve more grip in the first corner , so the vehicle achieves significantly higher cornering speeds and, as a result, faster lap times.
formula 1
In Formula 1, electric blankets were used for the first time at the European Grand Prix in 1985 by the Lotus team and were soon standard.
In the course of the reintroduction of slicks in the 2009 Formula 1 season , the FIA planned to ban electric blankets. However, this was discarded in June 2008 due to safety concerns.
In the summer of 2012 a ban on electric blankets was discussed again, this time also for cost reasons. McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh put the cost of transporting and operating the electric blankets and the power generators required to be 300,000 pounds a year (approx. 370,000 euros). Robert Fernley , Deputy Team Principal of Force India , also stated that without electric blankets, about three fewer mechanics would be needed per team. In addition to several drivers, tire manufacturer Pirelli also rejected a ban for the 2013 season because the tires currently in use were not developed for use without electric blankets.
Alternatives
Mounted tires are brought up to temperature by zigzag driving as well as strong acceleration and braking maneuvers, for example when the tire temperature drops due to the use of a safety car .
One way to warm up tires without electric blankets is to use an "oven". For example, the RML Group uses an infrared heating system in its sports car operations.
Another alternative are walking scooters, on which you let the driven wheels of the vehicle run with your own engine power in the paddock.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Ban on electric blankets from the 2014 Formula 1 season? motorsport-total.com, June 23, 2012, accessed November 19, 2012 .
- ↑ Tire heating blankets and rim heating. (No longer available online.) ISA-Racing Online Shop, archived from the original on December 16, 2012 ; Retrieved November 19, 2012 . Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ^ Formula 1 - Ban on electric blankets lifted. motorsport-magazin.com, accessed on November 19, 2012 .
- ^ The F1 FAQ. autosport.com, March 2000, accessed November 19, 2012 .
- ↑ Tire warmers are retained in Formula 1. motorsport-total.com, June 27, 2008, accessed November 19, 2012 .
- ↑ Tire warmers yes or no: Formula 1 is divided. motorsport-total.com, June 23, 2012, accessed November 26, 2012 .
- ↑ a b What would Formula 1 have from the ban on tire warmers? motorsport-total.com, July 6, 2012, accessed November 26, 2012 .
- ↑ Ban on electric blankets from the 2014 season? motorsport-total.com, June 23, 2012, accessed November 26, 2012 .
- ↑ X-Pro Infra-Red Tire Heating System. rml-adgroup.com, accessed November 19, 2012 .
