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The final round of this
remarkable Formula 1 season features the three softest tyres in Pirelli’s
2017 range – soft, supersoft and ultrasoft – before a two-day test on
Tuesday and Wednesday after the grand prix gives all the teams their first
taste of 2018 tyres.
The Yas Marina circuit is characterised by smooth asphalt, warm weather and
a wide mix of corners, all of which have made it a popular venue for testing
in the past. This year’s tyre nomination is unaltered compared to last
season, but with higher cornering speeds thanks to the latest regulations
and wider tyres, there is still a good chance that another all-time lap
record will be broken this weekend.
THE CIRCUIT FROM A TYRE POINT OF VIEW
- Abu Dhabi is quite a varied track in terms of speeds and corners, so teams
tend to run a compromise set-up with medium downforce.
- As the grand prix starts in the late afternoon and ends in the evening,
track temperatures fall quite notably during the race.
- Like Brazil, the track runs anti-clockwise.
- Wear and degradation is reasonably contained on the smooth surface.
- With plenty of acceleration and braking over the lap, traction is the main
consideration.
- Overtaking tends to be difficult at Yas Marina, so strategy and qualifying
are especially key.
- A two-stopper was the most popular strategy last year. |
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MARIO ISOLA - HEAD OF CAR
RACING
“The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix tends to be a reasonably straightforward race held
in consistent conditions, although with an unusual race format, as the start
takes place in the afternoon and the finish is in the evening. This race is
also important for next year as well: on Thursday, we will present the full
range of 2018 Formula 1 tyres on the paddock, which the teams will then get
the chance to test for the first time on Tuesday and Wednesday after the
grand prix. The only exception is the intermediate and wet tyre: Abu Dhabi
has never yet produced a wet race, so we’re going to have to wait until next
year to see those in action”.
WHAT’S NEW?
- The scheduled 2018 tyre test with McLaren at Interlagos was cancelled amid
security concerns: this reduces the total number of 2018 tyre testing days
to 23.
- Austrian rally driver Raimund Baumschlager clinched a record-breaking 14th
national title, at the wheel of a Volkswagen Polo R WRC running on Pirelli
tyres. |
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