Originally Posted by JCL

Size of the contact patch is, at the highest level, not directly a function of profile. However, it is related to the strength or stiffness of the sidewall, and lower profile tires have stiffer sidewalls by design. You can have larger or smaller contact patches with lower profile tires, depending on all the other variables. But the contact patch will always be a different shape than with a higher profile tire.

I would say that race teams went to lower profile tires so that they could manage thermodynamic effects. Lower profile tires turn in better (stiffer sidewalls) but they don't necessarily have better cornering, that is a function of what temperature you can get the tire to, and the compound being used. Back to heat effects.

Also, it depends on what type of racing you are talking about. Road courses with lots of corners brings a focus to turn-in and lateral grip. Drag racers worry about traction, and they will go to higher profile tires to improve traction.