What was clear during the last race was that the new Bridgestone tyres, which comply with the new tyre rules to unsure greater safety, did not bring down the lap times but resulted in many drivers sliding off the track. The extra groove in the front wheel indirectly causes instability in the rear.

"They do seem to be very good tyres, but the cars are on a bit of a knife-edge. With what's been done to the tyres, you've got quite a narrow window, and it's narrower this year, in which the car is catchable," Williams technical director stated. Just the two Stewart drivers did not go off at one stage before the race.