Planet-F1

Hamilton to test tyre problem?

Monday 12th May 2008

Lewis Hamilton's preparations for next week's Monaco GP may be interrupted by testing commitments in the south of France following the problems he experienced with tyre degradation in Turkey.

Hamilton and his McLaren team were advised by Bridgestone engineers to use a three-stop strategy at Istanbul due to fears that he would suffer a repeat of the tyre 'blow-out' that he endured at the end of a long run during last year's race. Significantly, Hamilton was the only driver in the field to be issued with such a warning. "He is the one driver who perhaps with his style of driving has put higher forces onto his front right tyre," confirmed a Bridgestone spokesperson.

The problem is thought to be exclusively related to the g-loads required around Istanbul's Turn Eight. However, with no other driver able to replicate Hamilton's unique driving style, it would be no surprise to see Hamilton summoned to the Paul Ricard Circuit for tyre testing next week before moving on to Monaco.