By running very low pressures to maximise the contact patch

 

Not only that. Low pressures will exaggerate the sidewall bulge which in turn closes the gap between the sidewall and the rear floor. In turn, this reduces turbulence and air "bleed" between the tyre and rear floor and makes the diffuser more efficient.

A few years ago the teams discovered that by running the tyres the wrong way round (F1 tyres are directional) the sidewall bulge would be exaggerated and have the same effect. Remember the multiple tyre failures at Silverstone? These were the direct result of the teams running tyres on the wrong side of the car, and at reduced pressures. Pirelli took a lot of unwarranted flak for this, and subsequently agreed with the FIA that the teams must run the tyres to Pirelli's specification and pressure recommendations. In addition, Pirelli specify suspension parameters (camber, toe etc) with which the teams must comply.

With regard to the dragster tyres above, this is different to a standing wave, which only occurs at sustained high speed. Drag tyres are designed to allow the sidewalls to flex and "load up" to help to launch the car, and to then "grow" under centripetal force which raises the overall gearing as the speed increases.

 

Looking at the GP2 race in Baku is how I envision an F1 race with 20 Maldonados would be like.
Just absolutely crazy stuff.

 

Oh dear. What is up with Lewis?

 

And Vettel, and Button. Must be a World Champions thing

 

GP2 race was great!

Looking like an exciting circuit.

 

Just watching some of the GP2 race and can't help but notice how crap some of the barriers are around the track. Offering no protection for stewards by the side of the track. Did anyone see the footage of the guy welding the plates/kerbs.... it left alot to be desired!

I think there's going to be some big smashes in the F1 today. Very dodgy having cars enter the run off and then reversing to rejoin the track. I would of liked Hamilton to have done well but i think he will be like a bull in a china shop today and may well overstep the mark and pick up some damage.

 

Oh joy, F1 on Ch4 with Steve Jones and Eddie Jordan.The only thing missing to make my day would be that useless bird from Sky a couple of years ago.

 

i am still laughing at rosberg smacking himself in the eye

 

Eddie Jordan wasn't so bad, especially if you record it as then you can fast forward through any bits with him.

Amazing that there were no incidents.