Ralf: new tyres a challenge for long runs

That is the view of Toyota driver Ralf Schumacher, who thinks last week's test at Jerez has highlighted how difficult it is going to be to look after the new tyres over race distance.

Although the teams have so far found it easy to adapt their cars to the tyres over short distances, the softer specification of tyre used last week has given the first indications that a good handling car will be vital in 2007.

That is because there is evidence that the rears are losing performance very quickly.

"It was more difficult in Jerez than with the tyres at Barcelona (the previous week)," Schumacher told autosport.com.

"The tyres didn't seem to fit us as well as they did at Barcelona. There is generally low grip, and it is more difficult to handle.

"During the long runs the rears are giving up first, and it seems to be similar with all the teams too.

"We expected it a little bit after what we experienced in Barcelona - but it is a nice challenge."

The degradation of grip of the soft tyres will make it likely the sport could return to the scenario of 2005 - when single race tyres gave a big advantage to the good handling cars, such as the McLaren MP4-20.

Schumacher is convinced that because of that, a good chassis will be a major advantage next year.

"There are plenty of things we have to figure out," he said. "We will need to make some changes to traction control and have to rethink how to use the rear end of the car.

"I would think that a perfect car will be an even bigger advantage than normal next year. The best car that can look after its tyres will be well ahead."