As teams have been aggressive in chasing performance, running cars with high degrees of camber, issues have arisen with blistering seen on tyres removed from some cars, with drivers complaining of vibrations and cording of the rubber.
The compound used by Firestone is essentially the same as used last year, although the tyres now incorporate a synthetic rubber created with recycled butadiene, a monomer produced with recycled post-consumer plastic waste.
“I think it's just because the left sides are softer,” said Team Penske’s Will Power after practice this week. “They just degrade easier. I haven't had a set without a vibration yet. I've had a couple that have been massive and you have to pit.
“It's left-side, left-front [or] left-rear. Depends which slides more. If you get an early one, it’s like almost to the point where you can't drive it. If it's a left-rear, you get that early, have a big moment early, you're going to be pitting on about lap 18 I feel like. You might be able to hold on for a couple more, but it's on the edge.
“I think it makes for better racing - it needed some deg. On a good hot day, I think it'll be a good race. Colder day would be pretty tight.”
Source: Autosport