Is it tires or tyres?

[Neil C]

You know, those round, black rubber bits on the corners of cars.

Anyway, between 1950 and 1999, 8 manufacturers of 'skins' have victories in F1 Grand Prix (including the 1950-60 Indy events). Can you match the maker with the number of victories? If you can, you have enormous knowledge, a vast source of data, or a copy of the December Financial Times Motorsport Business newsletter.

1. Bridgestone.............a. 368 victories
2. Continental.............b. 83
3. Dunlop..................c. 59
4. Englebert(!?)...........d. 49
5. Firestone...............e. 42
6. Goodyear................f. 25
7. Michelin................g. 10
8. Pirelli.................h. 10

[Michael M]

Tires = USA
Tyres = GB

Proven data:
Goodyear (1965-99) - Goodyear's own figure: 361 (368 not correct)
Michelin (1977-84) - 59
Pirelli (1950-57, 1985-91) - 45 (either 49 or 42 not correct)

Estimated data:
Dunlop - 83
Firestone - 42 or 49, depending on what is shown for Pirelli
Englebert - 10
Continental - 10

[TimD]

Neil, you put a question mark next to the brand Englebert.

Well, for what it's worth, that's what the works Ferraris were shod with through the fifties and sixties, GP and sports cars.

I'd be inclined to say that there are more than 10 victories to their name, but apart from agreeing that the highest figure has to be Goodyear, I'm stumped.

[Michael M]

Tim, up to 1957 Ferrari used Pirellis, if they had Engleberts after that and over the 60s, it may well be that the 42/49 number is for Englebert, and only 10 for Firestone.

Continental was only used by Mercedes-Benz, they had this alliance already in the 30s.


[This message has been edited by Michael M (edited 19 April 2000).]

[Michael M]

Tim, up to 1957 Ferrari used Pirellis, if they had Engleberts after that and over the 60s, it may well be that the 42/49 number is for Englebert, and only 10 for Firestone.

[Gerard]

Goodyear......368
Dunlop.........83
Michelin.......59
Firestone......49
Pirelli........45
Bridgestone....28
Continental....10
Englebert.......7
Avon............0

[Neil C]

Michael and Gerard are correct.

I wonder, though, why the discrepency in numbers? The Financial Times did point out that '50-'60 Indy rounds were included, but are there other events that might account for the difference? Such as non-championship rounds?