Green F1 tyres? Seriously?
We’re a long way from April Fools’ Day so I’m taking this one at face value… for now.
F1 cars will be using tyres with green grooves in them during the Japanese Grand Prix to show support for the FIA’s Make Cars Green initiative:
Those will look great on a Renault...
According to the FIA:
The initiative demonstrates that Formula One’s teams and partners are backing the Make Cars Green campaign’s goal to reduce the impact of motoring on the environment.
It looks like the definition of greenwash to me.
Eric M. said on 9th October 2008, 2:56
Oreo cookie is a good look for F1!!! :)
Polak said on 9th October 2008, 6:05
It’s Bridgestone or Nothing!
Lustigson said on 9th October 2008, 8:11
Hmm… green stripes…
DG said on 9th October 2008, 11:28
Surely a really ‘green’ initiative from the FIA would be to ensure all the official FIA cars are running as hybrids or using biofuel? Maybe they should be asking the teams to convert their lorries and sponsors vehicles to more enviromentaly friendly power? Perhaps the motorhomes could become solar/wind/alternative powered over the weekend? Maybe a ban on non-zero emission vehicles in the Paddock area? Maybe a way to cut down on the number of aircraft used to transport all the cars etc to far-flung places?
It’s strange that Max has so far failed to announce ANY of these! Instead we get painted tyres!
Yes, there is a lot of cynicism here!
Lustigson said on 9th October 2008, 11:33
@ DG
Well, if you put it that way, scrapping the Canadian Grand Prix is a major green initiative. :\
Jean said on 9th October 2008, 13:48
a form of corporate masquerading in order to appease resistance from various forms of save the planet movements , nothing more.
matthew said on 9th October 2008, 17:07
Anything which happens to make F1 more environmentally friendly as a side effect of it being more entertaining (kinetic energy thingys for example) is great – but other wise its kind of at odds with what should be F1′s “Raison d’être” – more speed! more power! more excitement!
Id hate too see battery powered F1 cars
beneboy said on 9th October 2008, 17:21
This is nothing more than tokenism.
The amount of fuel used by all forms of motorsport is negligible in the grand scheme of things.
When you think of the fuel economy that has been developed for road vehicles as a direct result of racing then it’s probably fair to say that motorsport is helping the environment more than it’s hurting it.
I’m a liberal environmentalist who’s been on many climate protests & direct action events around the country, it’s unfortunate but true that many of the people involved in these campaigns are ignorant of the facts & use badly thought out arguments against motorsport whilst driving around the country in a beat up old van that does 12 mpg.
F1 has been Carbon neutral since 1997 anyway.
footfarmer said on 9th October 2008, 20:13
The whole point about F1 is that it is the finest mechanics and engineers battling each other to make the fastest racing car, which then some pretty talented jockey’s try and keep on the road. It isn’t a single make series and that extra level of competition drives innovation. Of course F1 isn’t green and maybe some technology filters through to production vehicles, but really is that why we follow it?? The time will come and sooner than we think when F1, in fact all oil based burning cars, will be looked upon as bonkers probably even outrageous. But in the meantime diluting the sport by limiting budgets/parts etc and trying feeble attempts at Green PR are just embarrassing, patronising and do no favours to the sport.. Mosley’s agenda is counter productive and dull.. Let’s go out in style – with heads held high and feet buried to the floor! it’s what the sport has always stood for.. (plus we’ll eventually find the solar powered series interesting.. )
Patrick said on 10th October 2008, 7:24
the white line is barely visible on tv. another brilliant step by F1!
the hit parade keeps coming with these morons.
G said on 10th October 2008, 17:39
they look hideous but n interesting flip side will be that you’ll see the green fade away as the tires wear down. this will make it interesting being able to compare tire wear etc. between drivers/teams
hughjengine said on 10th October 2008, 18:11
Oh for the love of god, the ‘Green’ issue is all about making money!! Its the millenium bug version 2, remember that one? I’m all for using less natural resources generally but its so politicised now its ridiculous! Just let the guys race and see who wins, why are we discussing this on an F1 website?? If support F1 you obviously aint that bothered anyway. Any of you drive a prius???
mky said on 20th March 2009, 9:15
How 2 make the engine last longer???