P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The Hypercar graining challenge that could decide the WEC’s Qatar opener
At the Qatar World Endurance Championship event, graining has become a major topic of discussion, especially in the Hypercar class. This extreme form of tire wear is different from the gradual degradation seen during a stint on Michelin tires. Graining, also known as cold graining, is caused by tires sliding on the track surface due to a lack of grip before reaching optimal temperature. The ban on tire warmers at the start of the 2023 season has intensified the graining issue, which has been particularly prominent at the 3.37-mile Losail International Circuit in Qatar. The smooth, high-grip surface of the track exacerbates graining compared to coarser surfaces like Spa or Bahrain. Once graining occurs, it significantly reduces tire life and performance, affecting all nine manufacturers in the Hypercar class. Toyota has been notably affected by graining during testing, leading to challenges in handling and consistency on track. The heavy weight of the Toyota GR010 HYBRID Le Mans Hypercar may be contributing to its graining issues.
