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TRACK CHARACTERISTICS
- The wide track is renowned for its long straights and corners: the
straights can cool down the front tyres in particularly, causing a risk of
front locking.
- Weather is always a big question mark: cool temperatures are common, which
increases the possibility of graining – especially in free practice.
- There was a wide variety of different strategies in China last year:
Daniel Ricciardo won for Red Bull with two stops, although the race was
affected by a safety car.
- The track has a medium abrasive surface and is quite demanding on tyres,
with the front-left tyre working hardest.
- Lateral forces (cornering) are quite balanced with longitudinal forces
(acceleration and braking) in China. Turns 1 and 13 are the most demanding
corners. |
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MARIO ISOLA - HEAD OF CAR
RACING
“Last year, China was the first grand prix where there was a ‘jump’ in the
tyre nominations, contributing to an exciting race with an emphasis on
strategy. Our C2, C3 and C4 hard, medium and soft nominations this time are
roughly equivalent to the medium, soft and ultrasoft compounds we had in
China last year. We are hoping that this choice it will result in the same
sort of entertaining action and a good mix of strategies. Shanghai is quite
a complete track that contains a bit of everything, so it makes a solid
all-round test of car and tyre performance. With plenty of overtaking
opportunities as well, and the celebrations for the 1000th grand prix, it
should be a very memorable weekend”
OTHER PIRELLI NEWS
- All the drivers from the top three teams have made different tyre
selection from their teammates in China, underlying the wide range of
possible strategies.
- The F1 teams completed the first in-season test of the year following the
Bahrain Grand Prix, with George Russell driver going fastest for Mercedes,
Mick Schumacher making his F1 debut, and Fernando Alonso returning to the
cockpit.
- The F1 Pirelli Hot Laps programme resumes in China after a successful
debut season in 2018 – with two new manufacturers.
- Formula 1 will host a F1 Festival before the Chinese Grand Prix, on the
streets of Shanghai.
- Pirelli’s new P Zero RA asphalt rally tyre won on its debut on the famous
Tour de Corse in Corsica, with Italian driver Fabio Andolfi clinching WRC2
in a Skoda Fabia. |
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