Monaco GP: Pirelli Grand Prix Preview
By Courtesy of Pirelli
May 21 2019
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Pirelli Monaco
Grand Prix Preview |
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Monaco is an anomaly on the Formula 1
calendar – but it is also the most famous race of the year. Its origins from
the 1920s are evident, with a slow and narrow track that twists through the
centre of the principality, with the famous barriers leave no mistakes
unpunished. As usual, Pirelli is bringing the three softest compounds to
Monaco, with the C3 being the P Zero White hard, the C4 being the P Zero
Yellow medium, and the C5 being the P Zero Red soft. |
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TRACK CHARACTERISTICS
- Monaco is a race of negative superlatives, including the slowest average
lap speed and slowest corner of the year. Maximum mechanical grip is needed
first and foremost; hence the softest compounds are nominated.
- Certain parts of the track have been resurfaced this year, but it is a
similar street asphalt to what was already there, so should not make much of
a difference.
- A one-stop strategy is the norm in Monaco, and it would take something
fairly unusual for that not to be the case again this year. The timing of
the pit stop is important, as overtaking is extremely tricky.
- There is low grip in Monaco, with comparatively little track evolution
(also due to the fact that the track is open to traffic each evening and all
day Friday). Coupled with the narrow confines, this makes a safety car quite
likely.
- Unlike the last street circuit in Baku, for example, the tyres are always
working in Monaco with one corner quickly followed by another. This makes it
relatively easy to warm up the compound. |
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MARIO ISOLA - HEAD OF CAR
RACING
“Unsurprisingly, we’re bringing our softest tyres to Monaco, with the C5
being broadly equivalent to last year’s hypersoft but designed to have less
graining in cooler temperatures and to give a greater possibility for the
drivers to push hard from the start to the finish of each stint. This means
that not as much tyre management is needed as for the 2018 hypersoft, but
its excellent performance is still maintained – so we could be in for a fast
race, especially compared to last year. Monaco is like nowhere else, but
it’s a grand prix where every strategic opportunity has to be grasped,
especially if there is a safety car. With overtaking practically impossible
– as Daniel Ricciardo proved by winning from pole despite a significant
technical problem last year – the time gained and lost in the pits is
crucial”
OTHER PIRELLI NEWS
- There is a strong emphasis on the softer compounds at Monaco, with a
number of drivers selecting the maximum 11 sets of soft tyres.
- All the cars completed a two-day test at Barcelona after the grand prix
last week, with Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas emerging fastest. In
addition, Ferrari and Racing Point were running both days a second car to
test Pirelli’s 2020 prototype tyres.
- Testing of the new 18-inch Formula 2 tyres that will be competing next
year has got underway, with a shakedown completed at Mugello in Italy and
more test sessions planned in the coming weeks.
- Pirelli’s first private test of prototype 2020 wet-weather tyres will take
place after the Monaco Grand Prix, with Ferrari and Red Bull trying out
potential intermediate and full wet tyres for next year at Paul Ricard in
France from May 28-29. Ferrari will run just for the first day, while Red
Bull will drive for both days. |
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