GP tire question (probably not what you think)

[Pakhan]

I noticed at the end of every race they cover the back tire of every bike on the podium.  Most of the time with warmer but sometimes with a jacket.  Never the front tire though.  I have wondered why and came up with a few ideas, but maybe someone here knows.

1. So others can't see the wear on the tire
2. Keep it warm for later testing and evaluation
3. Cause it looks purty

[gm2]

about 90% your 2nd idea.

[Pakhan]

about 90% your 2nd idea.

But then why not the front tire as well?  Since these guys do run different compounds front and rear it should give some insight.  I understand that the wear will be more apparent on the rear but it seems like they would be missing out by not checking the front too. 

[gm2]

i've seen them on the front as well.  it may be visibility is much less with the front, or they don't analyze temp as much with the front or... the other 10% is the i don't know factor  =)

[Grio]

I bet it's equal parts 1 & 2...
Those gurus get a lot of information from a worn tire...and I bet they don't want the competition getting any insight on strengths or weakenesses.

[desmoquattro]

Maybe ask Liam on his blog?

[ducpainter]

I bet it's equal parts 1 & 2...
Those gurus get a lot of information from a worn tire...and I bet they don't want the competition getting any insight on strengths or weakenesses.

I wonder if the smoke shows reduce the amount of info the gurus get or if the tire center is a non issue?

[CairnsDuc]

I read some more on this topic and found out something Interesting from a former race Tyre Tech on a british racing website.

He claims it is to help keep the tyre in good condition for the tyre techs to check the tyre performance and wear, If the Tyre is allowed to cool to quickly it can damage the carcass and the rubber and will not give the information that is required for the tyre specialists, So they are allowed to cover one tyre in Parc Ferme (front or rear), The tyre techs used to be allowed to take readings from the tyre straight after the race (Temp and wear), Now they are not allowed to touch any part of the Bike or Tyre except to cover it, Each team is only allowed 2 nominated assistants in the Parc ferme area at race end to assist the rider, cover the tire and place the bike on a stand.
If the nominated Assistants are seen touching controls, displays or adjustments (other than to switch off the bike) the Team and rider will be instantly disqualified.

And apparently hiding the tyre from there competitors is not a high priority because as the racer comes back into the pits the tyre collects a large amount of debris and rubbish from the track and pit lane, so a lot of wear on the tyre can not be seen until the tyre is cleaned for final inspection.

Hope this helps.