Belgian GP: Pirelli Grand Prix Preview
By Courtesy of Pirelli
August 22 2017
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Pirelli Belgian
Grand Prix Preview |
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Pirelli will bring the P Zero
Purple ultrasoft tyres for the first time to Spa-Francorchamps, together
with the P Zero Red supersoft and P Zero Yellow soft. These are the three
softest tyres in the range, selected together for the sixth time so far this
year. But one famous variable in Spa is the weather, so there’s also a
strong chance of seeing the Cinturato Green intermediate or Cinturato Blue
full wet at some point during the weekend. Spa is a favourite of nearly all
the drivers, incorporating classic corners such as Eau Rouge and Pouhon that
make it a real rollercoaster ride, as well as a true test of bravery.
THE CIRCUIT FROM A TYRE POINT OF VIEW
- Longest circuit of the year at 7.004 kilometres.
- Geographical layout means it can be raining on one part of the track but
dry on another.
- Elevation changes and compressions generate forces on tyres from all
directions.
- Compromise set-up needed to provide downforce in corners but not too much
drag.
- High speeds and big corners place significant energy loads through the
tyres.
- Overtaking is very possible at Spa, opening the door to a variety of
different strategies.
- The teams have nominated all three available compounds in their choices
rather than concentrating on the softer tyres. |
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MARIO ISOLA - HEAD OF CAR
RACING
“Pirelli was racing at Spa for the 24 Hours last month, which showcased
everything this circuit is famous for: changeable weather, unpredictable
competition, and heavy demands on the tyres. Now that we are bringing the
ultrasoft tyre there for Formula 1, we would expect those demands to
increase further with the latest generation of cars: two stops would appear
to be a likely strategy but we will know more after the first free practice
sessions. Working out the optimal race strategy is especially tricky at Spa
as it has to be flexible: the possibility of rain, safety cars, or even a
red flag – as we saw last year – means that teams often have to react to
changing circumstances rather than follow a fixed plan”.
WHAT’S NEW?
- The ultrasoft has never been seen in Belgium before, representing a more
aggressive choice.
- Not much has happened in Formula 1 with the compulsory two-week factory
shutdown. The last Pirelli 2018 tyre test concluded on August 4 with Ferrari
in Barcelona, and it does not resume again until September 7-8 at Paul
Ricard with Mercedes.
- Three lucky winners of a Pirelli competition for children aged 8-11 spent
a week at Fernando Alonso’s karting school in Asturias recently, learning
the principles of safe driving and race craft through a course designed by
Alonso himself.
- At the same time as the Belgian Grand Prix, Pirelli’s European Rally
Championship stars will be competing on a different type of asphalt at the
Barum Czech Rally Zlin. |
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