F1: FIA to scrap proposed tyre-blanket ban

By GMM

The proposed banning of tyre-warming blankets is expected to be shelved when the World Motor Sport Council meets in Paris on Wednesday.

Many drivers had criticised the 2009 ban, to coincide with the return of slicks, expressing concern that the move would be a step backwards for safety.

It is understood that F1's Technical Working Group (TWG) originally proposed the ban as a way of slowing the cars, because the tyres would have to operate at lower temperatures.

The blanket-less tyres would also have been safer because they would have lost less pressure during safety car periods, while ridding teams of the blankets themselves is a cost-cutting measure, the TWG also found.

However, Honda test driver Alex Wurz told sportnet: "The drivers are happy, because next year there will be slick tyres and electric blankets.

"That is 99 per cent fixed, with the decision (due) on Wednesday," he added.