Michael Schumacher has spoken out against a potential ban on tire warmers in Formula 1.
It emerged earlier in the European Grand Prix weekend that teams have considered banning tire warmers on cost saving grounds. But Schumacher believes that such a move would be a mistake.
"I think cold tires are for categories that have low power, maybe Formula Ford, Formula 3," Schumacher said. "But, quite honestly, Formula 1, being the pinnacle of motorsport, with the power that we have, with the speed that we have... no, I wouldn't like that idea at all, and I don't see a need or reason to do so."
Schumacher's Mercedes team boss Ross Brawn said that he felt it was a difficult situation to judge.
"I think it is a close call whether or not we should use them," said Brawn. "I don't think on cost grounds they are incredibly expensive.
"On a sporting point that's a different matter. Cars going out after a pit stop with tires still cold, and perhaps not being able to bang in a quick lap to defend their position, trying to build the tires up, that could be a different issue."