Mark Webber and Fernando Alonso: Pirelli will add excitement on the Formula 1 grid
Any race becomes a lot more interesting if it has more overtaking moves. This year Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has taken a number of measures to improve the overtaking opportunities on the race track, including the introduction of adjustable
rear wings and the return of KERS.
However, some of the most experienced drivers like, Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber believe that among all these changes, the return of Pirelli will have the most significant impact in improving over taking during a Grand Prix.
The Italian rubber manufacturer company has returned to the sport this season after a long absence. As per special instructions from FIA, the tyres made for the upcoming season has a compound that degenerates faster than the Bridgestone tyres used in the
past years. This means more pit stops will be required by the teams in the upcoming season.
A pit stop can change the result of a race dramatically. Hence, more pit stops mean more striking changes in race positions and more over taking moves on the track.
That is the view of the Ferrari driver, Alonso. He believes that the new tyres are bound to bring a lot more thrill and drama on the forthcoming, 2011 grids. He said, "Nothing else will contribute more to overtaking… because when you put on new tyres you
can be up to six seconds faster than the ones who have not yet changed."
At the same time, the Red Bull driver, Mark Webber also accepts the fact that Pirelli’s faster degradation will allow more over taking. However, he is sceptical whether this will automatically make every race more exciting or not.
While talking to the reporters earlier today, the Australian stated, "I think there will be more overtaking. With different strategies there will be greater speed differentials between the cars. But sometimes it will be a car passing easily and disappearing,
so I don't know how spectacular that will be."
The two-time world champion, Alonso further explained that although more excitement will be witnessed on the track, still the spectators must not expect a wheel-to-wheel racing in 2011. He believes that despite more chances of overtaking the tough battle
between the forerunners will remain the same as before.
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