Warming up tyres is a crucial aspect of preparing for track activities such as testing or racing. Achieving the optimal temperature range for tyres enhances grip and performance, ensuring safer and more efficient driving. In this tutorial, we'll outline a step-by-step approach to safely warming up your tyres, as demonstrated by Scott Mansell in Tutorial 21 of Driver’s University.
Firstly, it's essential to understand the type of tyre being used. Road or treaded tyres typically reach their optimum grip level within a few corners or a single lap. Conversely, racing slick tyres, like those used in vehicles such as the Radical SR3, may require more effort and time to heat properly due to their harder compound.
When warming tyres, it's generally advisable to heat the rear tyres before the fronts. This helps mitigate the risk of oversteer, which can occur when the rear tyres have insufficient grip compared to the fronts. To achieve this, accelerate firmly in a straight line, keeping the rear tyres loaded for 2-3 seconds before applying the brakes. The heat generated from braking transfers from the discs and pads into the tyre cores.
Once the rear tyres are adequately warmed, attention can shift to warming the front tyres. A common technique, as seen in Formula 1, involves weaving the vehicle from side to side aggressively. Wide turns during weaving help keep the tyres 'loaded' for longer periods, promoting heat generation. However, caution must be exercised during transitions to prevent mishaps, as the tyres may not be fully warmed yet.
Maintaining a consistent throttle position while weaving helps keep the car's platform stable and minimizes the risk of inducing oversteer. Additionally, braking in a straight line helps retain heat in the brakes while reducing the likelihood of spinning.
For testing purposes, once approximately 80% of warm tyre grip is achieved, driving on the normal racing line can commence, and tyre warming can be discontinued. In racing scenarios with standing starts, further acceleration and braking in a straight line can be performed to enhance rear tyre warmth, facilitating quicker launches off the line.
Mastering the art of tyre warming is crucial for optimizing performance and safety on the track, whether for testing sessions or competitive racing events. By following these guidelines, drivers can effectively bring their tyres into the desired temperature range, maximizing grip and confidence during driving.