Optimum tyre temps for wet conditions?

[Jamie Ralfs]

Hi guys,

So I consider myself fairly good at setting up cars in the dry, but when it comes to tweaking around with the tyres and the temperatures for them when its wet... Is another matter!

I know that in the dry, the optimum temperature I believe is between 85-90(?) degrees, with a nice, gentle increase from the outer wall of the tyre, through to the inner wall. However, I noticed when I recently drove on a wet track for a good 25min race, my wet tyres were around 70-75 degrees (the two fronts on a FWD touring car) come the end of the race. In the latter stages I found it quite hard to get the car turned in, so I am guessing I could improve somehow on the tyre aspect of setup in the wet.

Now my questions to you guys are (for both FWD and RWD cars, if there is any difference):
1. What is the optimum tyre temps for wet/flooded conditions? (I am guessing its not 85-90 degrees like it would be in the dry).
2. What effects does the tyre pressure have on wet tyres in the wet?
3. What effects does camber have on wet tyres in the wet?

Thanks in advance chaps!

 

[Kennett Ylitalo]

This is only observation, not a fact. It feels like 60-80 in wet is the same slip curve as 70-85 in dry. So wet optimal is 80 or above.. But the slip curve is much more forgiving with the wets. That only a gut feeling and times are getting a real hurt only under 60 with WTCC

 

[Marian Zelenka]

The wet setup should be softer as I read somewhere. Check the difference between dry/wet default setup what simbin used.

 

[Ross Balfour]

Trying to get 80 degrees in a WTCC car is hard work, especially in a FWD car. Usually if I get over 70 degrees I'm happy.

 

[Jamie Ralfs]

Thanks for your responses, I just seem to be not be on the pace as much as some other drivers in the wet. Always looking to improve my driving.

@Ross Balfour, is that in the wet your are talking about yes?

 

[Rupe Wilson]

One of the other RD members always practices in the wet to fully understand a track,,, Ive still to give it a proper test but i can see what he means ...

 

[Ross Balfour]

@Ross Balfour, is that in the wet your are talking about yes?

Yep, I overheat tyres in the dry usually, my stupid aggressive driving style

 

[Aaron Channer]

Overheat wets at your peril !! Good for quali situations, not for race. Aim for lower temps in wet race. Personally aim for 70*c in wet quali, 50-60*c in race. (touring and mini)

 

[Jamie Ralfs]

Ok thanks @Aaron Channer!

So even when the track is flooded, and you are in a qualifying session, having the tyres at 80deg would still give a lot of grip? With the downside of that being the tyres won't last long?

They are the cars I drive the most too so this is very helpful and relevant. Thanks for your answer!

 

[Aaron Channer]

Ok thanks @Aaron Channer!

So even when the track is flooded, and you are in a qualifying session, having the tyres at 80deg would still give a lot of grip? With the downside of that being the tyres won't last long?

They are the cars I drive the most too so this is very helpful and relevant. Thanks for your answer!

Precisely.