FIA sets tire pressure standards to stop cheaters

Unable to run extra low tire pressures in Singapore, and with their power advantage negated on the tight city streets, Mercedes struggled in Singapore

FIA technical director Charlie Whiting has issued Formula 1 teams with guidelines regarding starting tire pressures and temperatures after Mercedes was found to possibly be cheating with low tire pressures.

The release said:

1. During all practice sessions and qualifying, it will be the pressure measured immediately after the set of tyros in question is fitted to the car.

2. The race-start set will be measured at any time after the five-minute signal.

3. During the race it will be the pressure measured immediately before the set of tyros in question is fitted to the car.

In all cases:

4. When measured, the pressure must be equal to or higher than the minimum set out in the preview. If the pressure is below the minimum requirement teams will be given the opportunity to increase it, however, at no time after the five-minute signal may pressures in the race-start set be reduced.

5. Measurements may be taken from any corner of the car.

6. Measurements must be made with a gauge calibrated at, or by, Pirelli, and subsequently sealed by the FIA.

7. After the checks have been carried out, and any necessary adjustment made in the presence of a scrutineer, no further adjustments may be made.

8. With regard to the maximum tire temperatures in the blankets, they will be checked by an infra-red gun as before.

9. These checks will be made both on the tread and sidewall of the tire, and when measured must be equal to, or lower than, the maximum set out in the preview.