F1 back to slicks, ban of tire warmers

(GMM) Bridgestone will reportedly supply slick tires for formula one teams for trial at the upcoming test in Spain.

The FIA announced earlier this year that the planned 2008 reintroduction of slicks, which were banned in favor of the current grooves at the end of 1997, would now be delayed.

But the Dutch magazine Formule 1 Race Report claims that every grand prix outfit will be given several sets of slicks to try at Jerez early next month, ahead of the likely reintroduction of the tires in 2009.

The publication quotes a BMW-Sauber spokesman, and also the concurrence of the Red Bull teams and Honda, as confirming the news.

The Jerez-spec slicks will reportedly be based on the slick tire currently produced by Bridgestone for the GP2 series.

It is also reported that tire-warming blankets will not be allowed in 2008, as F1 looks to copy Champ Car yet again.