|
In Qatar, a limit will be
introduced for the number of laps that each set of tyres can cover over the
course of the whole race weekend. The decision, taken in agreement with the
FIA and Formula 1 and discussed in regular meetings with the teams, is
confirmed today by Pirelli through the usual technical document containing
event specific prescriptions sent out two weeks prior to each Grand Prix.
Every set of tyres supplied to the teams at the start of the race
weekend can cover a maximum of 25 laps of the Lusail track, which is very
demanding on tyres in terms of energy, thermal stress and wear. The laps
will be counted cumulatively across all track session, including laps run
under the Safety Car or Virtual Safety Car.
Laps to the grid and
formation laps and those completed after the chequered flag in the Sprint
and the Grand Prix will not be included in the count. As the Qatar Grand
Prix is run over 57 laps, each driver will inevitably have to change tyres
at least twice. Before the start of the Grand Prix, Pirelli will inform the
teams how many laps are still available for each set.
This measure
has been deemed necessary, following analysis of the tyres used in 2024.
Last year, several tyres, particularly the left front, had reached the
maximum wear level. These conditions, combined with the high lateral energy
had increased the structural fatigue of the construction.
In order to
reduce the number of pit stops, the teams had worked on tyre degradation
management, limiting performance drop off, which sometimes ran the risk of
extending the stint beyond the useful life of the tyre.
A similar
precautionary measure had already been introduced at this track in 2023,
although that was for different problems which are now resolved. That year,
repeatedly going over some kerbs had led to micro-lacerations in the tyres’
sidewalls. Last year, the subsequent modification to the pyramid kerbs along
with the addition of strips of gravel around them, had avoided a repetition
of this situation.
As already announced, Qatar will see the use of
the hardest compounds in the Pirelli range: C1 as Hard, C2 as Medium and C3
as Soft. As this is a Sprint weekend, each driver will be supplied with 2
sets of Hard, 4 of Medium and 6 of Soft. |
