Formula One news

Symonds predicts less action on Fridays

Renault engineering chief Pat Symonds says the new Grand Prix weekend format and the return of tyre changes during the race will mean Fridays of Grand Prix weekends will see less track action.
 
 
 
"The most significant change is that we no longer have to make our tyre choice on Friday evening," Symonds said. "Track conditions are not generally at their best on Friday, but last year we had to run in order to understand the tyre behaviour and make an informed choice. That is no longer the case, as we only have to make our decision before qualifying, allowing us to run when track conditions are most representative."

When asked if that will mean there will be less track action on Fridays Symonds replied, "I think it almost certainly will. Those teams with the advantage of the third car will run a lot, but for the top four teams, there will be much less activity. The tyre situation is one reason, but we also have a longer qualifying procedure – which will use up engine mileage. We will be managing engine life very carefully once again in 2006, especially at the beginning of the year when all the teams will have brand new units. Everybody will look to save their running on Friday."

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