Having tested this glitch thoroughly, there is now a major regulation overhaul in time for the next race. In the meantime, this is how the glitch works.
What is the tyre glitch?
In F1 2016, the tyres you are on all have varied wear rates depending on the tyre you're on. This is obvious. However, for some reason, the tyre wear for the race is unfortunately dependant on your starting tyre. It isn't a RNG glitch either, it occurs EVERY TIME.
On tracks where the tyres are US, SS and S, or SS, S and M, you have significantly less wear starting on the middle compound. The differences can be over 10% difference after the same mileage. In a test I performed at Singapore this afternoon (using the same method used in the youtube video) the gulf between wear was over 15% after just 10 laps. Hense, starting on Ultra Softs was a huge disadvantage. I tried the same test starting on Softs, and it was only marginally better. So Super Softs were the the tyre to be on.
This pattern is reflected similarly on a track with SS, S and M. The Softs were the best tyre to start on.
Strangely, the glitch seems to work in reverse when driving on a track with the S,M and H tyres. In a test at Malaysia, the Soft tyres proved to easily last longer if you started on them. I tested again at Silverstone and found the same result. In a bonus test, starting on Inters and Wets didn't appear to have and adverse effects.
The dilemma here is that sacrificing track position is overwhelmingly more beneficial than going for pole. Indeed, since Silverstone, only one race has been won by a driver starting on the softest tyre (Zharvs at Hungary, and discounting Monza). Not to mention those not in the top ten can choose any tyre they want to start on and reap the rewards (Motors won at Baku having started last and on the soft tyre). This is not to detract from the performances of those who (knowingly or unknowingly) exploited the glitch to full effect.
The second part of the dilemma is that on an S,M,H track trying to be smart and go for a long first stint will cost you huge amounts of time. This ultimately leaves, in my opinion, only one viable solution, and one which sadly kills a large part of the strategical aspect of the series which was one of its most appealing assets over Pcars and GT6.
The Solution:
Regrettably, new regulation needs to be enforced.
From Malaysia onwards, a compulsory starting tyre will be nominated. EVERY driver must start on this tyre, regardless of starting position. The nominated tyre will be named well before the race, mainly so we all know at the same time. Starting on a different compound will result in a 60 second penalty, enough to overlap the gains of exploiting the glitch. I know this will annoy some people, but this glitch has threatened the integrity of the entire series and difficult decisions need to be made. I am confident this is the best course of action. This is the only way to ensure we have a level playing field, which was the main aim since its inception.
I will try my best to implement allocations to ensure we get a mix of competitive qualifying sessions and being able to push during the races.
Cheers, Jono.
Last edited: Jan 17, 2017
