Bridgestone confirmed during the late months of 2009 that it will launch a new tire for the upcoming season of Formula One, being that the FIA has banned refueling in the sport. Consequently, the tire compound was built in such a way that it better reacts to the heavier loads coming from the bigger amount of fuel.
However, as admitted by the Brit after the first day of Valencia testing, the new tires create a reduced level of front grip, which is something the McLaren drivers (well, actually, all the drivers) will have to master in order to get ahead of the competition.
“With such narrow front tyres, and the shape of them as well - they're a lot more curved - you do lose a lot of front grip. That's what we've got to try and get back. That's the biggest difference out of all the changes we've had this year,” said Paffett in a short interview with Autosport.
“You have less front end braking. Because the aero takes over more at high speed, that's not so much of an issue. But certainly at low and medium speed, where you really demand the mechanical grip, is the biggest issue and the biggest thing you've got to try to overcome,” added the British driver.
Paffett eventually finished the day with the 5th best time on the scoring reports. Lewis Hamilton is scheduled to take the MP4-25 to the track today, while Jenson Button will be handed the car on Wednesday.
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