28/07/2006
NEWS STORY
Race stewards at Hockenheim have banned a new tyre heating system introduced by Super Aguri this weekend.
According to the official report from the FIA technical delegate at Hockenheim: "the Super Aguri Formula 1 Team was found using a new device to heat their tyres. The device is designed as a frame structure containing electrically driven rollers and heating elements in which the tyres are rotating in front of the heating elements. The whole frame structure is covered with a heat insulating material. "
The system does not comply with the 2006 Formula One Sporting Regulations as Article 76 f only allows tyre heating devices which are blankets and use resistive heating elements."
After hearing an explanation of the system from the Japanese team's technical director, Mark Preston, the race stewards decided that the heating system was a breach of Article 76f, and could in no was be considered a "blanket", which, according to the regulations is: "The only permitted type of tyre heating device which uses resistive heating elements".
It was subsequently banned from further use, with immediate effect, though the team may appeal.