Solution needed for rain races: 'Makes drivers' lives easier'

Rain is becoming more and more of a problem for Formula 1. An important example was the Belgian Grand Prix where only two laps were driven behind the safety car. Fortunately, Formula 1 and Pirelli are thinking about solutions and Ross Brawn and Mario Isola provided us with some more information at Speedweek.

The biggest problem with rain is the spray. The cars throw up a lot of water which can cause dangerous situations. Making new tyres therefore seems to be the solution, but the Pirelli boss explains that this is not going to help.

"If we built a tyre that moved more water, the spray behind a race car would only increase, making visibility even worse. So a more efficient tire would not improve the situation but make it worse. I see only one solution: we have to find ways to reduce the amount of water dispersed," Isola says.

Spray and visibility studies

In the meantime, investigations have already started and drivers are also being consulted to find the best solution. A collaboration between Pirelli, the FIA and Formula One is therefore very important according to Brawn.

"The biggest danger comes from two elements - lack of visibility through the spray and aquaplaning. Aquaplaning is where our tyre partner comes in, but beyond a certain point the tyres just can't tolerate water. In terms of visibility, it's up to us to find ways and means to make life easier for the drivers here. And that work has begun," says the sporting director.