Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton claimed victory in Monza, using the popular one-stop strategy, the race method predicted as dominant prior to the race by tyre supplier Pirelli. The manufacturer’s home race – it is held half an hour’s drive from the company’s HQ in Milan – saw all of the top 10 finishers using similar tactics to Hamilton, as low wear and degradation of both compounds made the approach almost obligatory.
Pirelli characterised Malaysia as one of the toughest tests of the year for tyres thanks to its high track temperatures and an abrasive surface. Yet the reduced graining and lack of blistering illustrates the indisputable increase in durability over the much maligned original 2013 tyre allocation. Even so, the decision to provide the hardest compound […]
Entering the final preseason test at Bahrain, commentary from Formula One drivers about the 2014 range of Pirelli tyres has been most noticeable for its comparative scarcity. When drivers have spoken up, their verdicts have been generally indecisive or cautious. Sauber driver Adrian Sutil praised Pirelli’s 2014 Formula One tyres for showing “greater consistency” on the first day of the final test, but has previously been quoted by motorsport news sources bemoaning the tyres’ harder compounds and stiffer constructions.
The penultimate round of the 2009 Bridgestone-supported GP2 Series will be held at Monza on 11-13 September as part of the Italian Grand Prix weekend, where the medium compound GP2 tyres will be used. The circuit is one of only three on this year’s GP2 calendar that remains with the same compound of slick tyres as in 2008. Known as the ‘Autodromo Nazionale di Monza’ the circuit is the fastest that GP2 drivers experience during the year. Maintaining tyre durability and employing more aerodynamically efficient car set-ups will be the key to a successful weekend.
During the weekend of 8 -10 August, top Formula 3 drivers will once again race on Kumho tyres at Zolder, following tyre supplier Kumho’s decision to commit to the event as title sponsor. The “Zandvoort Masters of Formula 3” is Europe’s only race featuring the best Formula 3 drivers from the various championships.
“Of course, this is still a temporary solution, because Zandvoort is the natural homebase for the Masters, like the name already indicates”, says Erik Weijers, C.O.O. of Circuit Park Zandvoort. “The idea of the Masters was born at Zandvoort and the event has built up its strong history here from the very first edition in 1991 onwards. Because of the limited number of so-called ‘noise days’ that we have at Zandvoort, we have to escape to Zolder. Of course, the facilities and the support we are getting there is excellent. Zolder surely is the best possible alternative in that respect.”
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