Spa circuit “exactly in keeping” with Pirelli F1 “tyre philosophy”
With corners such as Eau Rouge and Blanchimont testing drivers and tyres alike, Pirelli says the longest track on the Formula One calendar will pose a range of challenges, especially considering the variable weather that characterises the region – in fact, the length of the circuit means that different microclimates can mean the track is both wet and dry depending on where drivers are. The tyre supplier will take its P Zero White medium and P Zero Yellow soft compounds – like at the Grand Prix of Europe and the German Grand Prix earlier this year – but it is likely the P Zero Blue intermediate tyre will play a key role once again. Pirelli has not tested at Spa-Francorchamps, and the high vertical and lateral loadings on the tyres, mean that the manufacturer will be in for an intriguing weekend. The length of the lap should help differentiate between the two compounds more too, which will enhance the importance of tyre strategy. Pirelli expects wear to be quite low, owing to the cool conditions and flowing nature of the track, with fewer sharp corners than at most other circuits.
Pirelli’s motorsport director Paul Hembery states: “Spa-Francorchamps is one of those legendary names in motorsport, which has become a real icon of the Formula One season. It is a track that tests ultimate commitment, so once again we have to supply tyres that are capable of not only absorbing the colossal forces that they are subjected to on a regular basis, but also of delivering maximum performance in complete safety.
“In many ways Spa is one of the most unpredictable tracks of the season, and since we have never tested here, we have very little data to go on. From what we have seen in the past though, in Valencia and at the Nürburgring especially, we are confident that this combination of the medium and the soft tyre strikes the correct balance between performance and durability, equipping the drivers to display every aspect of their talents. It’s a race that rewards brave overtaking manoeuvres, which is exactly in keeping with our own tyre philosophy as well. The weather in Belgium as always will be a question mark, but with so many wet races behind us already this year, this is one area where we are definitely gaining in experience more rapidly than we anticipated!”
Jerome d’Ambrosio of Virgin Racing says: “Spa is one of the most demanding race tracks due to its fast, twisty and hilly nature and I’m sure that we will see another exciting race, with the Pirelli P Zero tyres being the centre of action again. One of the biggest challenges during the weekend will be to be on the correct tyre because the weather is always changeable and it sometimes rains at one part of the circuit while it’s dry at another. During the race we will also have to look after the Pirelli tyres to get the best performance out of them during the 44 laps.”
Pirelli notes that finding the right level of downforce will be a complicated task, with teams looking to weigh up straight line speed with aerodynamic grip. The latter is a consideration here in particular since only six of the 19 corners taken at less than 130kmh. The significant compressions at the circuit, such as the one at the bottom of Eau Rouge, also put heavy demands on the tyres and means that maintaining the correct tyre pressure is very important. When the tyres are given to the teams the pressure is in the region of 18-20 psi, but that can rise rapidly as the tyre heats up and reduce grip, making it vital that drivers do not to work the tyres too hard.
Related news:
- Pirelli counters Ferrari bias suspicions over F1 tyre allocations
- Pirelli confirms Belgian, Italian, Singaporean F1 tyre allocations
- Sky and BBC to share F1 – Pirelli keeps “an open mind”
Comments