Michelin: Two stops are the way to go

"A two-stop strategy will probably be the favoured strategy here, given that the fuel weight penalty is relatively slight - less than 0.3 seconds per lap for every extra 10kg. Pit stops are also relatively swift, with a pit visit taking about 28 seconds."

Vasselon also highlighted yet another way in which Indianapolis is a track of two halves. In addition to the obvious differences between the infield and the banking, and the aerodynamic set-up compromise this requires, there is also the surface to consider.

"The surface on the banking is very abrasive. The infield, on the other hand, is fairly smooth. That is the most significant contrast between the two different parts of the track."

Michelin motorsport director Pierre Dupasquier added that, rather like its partner McLaren, Monza was a good showing considering it was not a suitable track for Michelins.

"We knew the previous race in Monza would place a greater emphasis on aerodynamics than on the relationship between a chassis and its tyres. In circumstances that perhaps favoured our main rival our partners proved to be extremely competitive.

"We're aiming to use cutting-edge tyre technology at Indianapolis to help our partners overcome the aerodynamic dilemma."

Michelin will be bringing similar tyres to those used at Monza. They'll be based on the new constructions developed during the tyres controversy in the Italian Grand Prix build-up.