Despite claims from a number of
Formula 1's high-profile drivers –
Michael Schumacher,
Felipe Massa and
Nico Rosberg amongst them – that the lack of tyre-warmers for
Bridgestone's 2009-spec slick rubber will lead to dangers in the races [see separate story –
click here],
Honda has supported the Japanese tyre manufacturer's contention that any such fears are overstated.
Slick tyres will return to the top flight for the first time in more than a decade next year, but the initial development compounds have proven difficult to get up-to-speed in testing. That has prompted concerns that drivers exiting the pit-lane on a new set of tyres will be travelling at vastly slower speeds to those already out on the track.
Honda engineering chief Steve Clark, however, sought to play down the issue following testing in Barcelona last week ahead of this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.
"Running here in warmer conditions, we had no issues with warming the tyres up without blankets," he is quoted as having said by
Paddock Talk.
"We are looking forward to the challenge of running the cars next year without tyre-warmers and reduced downforce. It should be interesting."
