FIA to scrap proposed tire-blanket ban

(GMM) The proposed banning of tire-warming blankets is expected to be shelved when the World Motor Sport Council meets in Paris on Wednesday.

Many drivers had criticized the 2009 ban, to coincide with the return of slicks, expressing concern that the move would be a step backwards for safety.

It is understood that F1's Technical Working Group (TWG) originally proposed the ban as a way of slowing the cars, because the tires would have to operate at lower temperatures.

The blanket-less tires would also have been safer because they would have lost less pressure during safety car periods, while ridding teams of the blankets themselves is a cost-cutting measure, the TWG also found.

However, Honda test driver Alex Wurz told sportnet: "The drivers are happy, because next year there will be slick tires and electric blankets.

"That is 99 per cent fixed, with the decision (due) on Wednesday," he added.