F1 News

Pirelli on tyre choice: 'There will be a lot of attention paid to that'

18 November 2022 at 06:49
Last update 18 November 2022 at 08:29
1
  • GPblog.com

This weekend the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is on the programme, the very last race of the 2022 season. Although both championships have already been won by Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen, there is still plenty to look forward to. Pirelli announces the tyre selection for the final race weekend.

Pirelli will take the three softest tyre compounds to Abu Dhabi, namely the C3, C4 and C5. According to the tyre supplier, the circuit is not particularly demanding for the tyres, as the asphalt does not scuff. This allows the use of the softer tyres. Drivers will have to take into account falling track temperatures on Sunday in particular, as the race takes place late in the evening.

"Last year’s modifications to some of the straights and corners on the Yas Marina track have made the circuit faster, balancing the longitudinal and lateral demands on the tyres – whereas previously it was more about traction and braking. Despite these changes to the layout, there is still going to be a lot of attention paid to the rear tyres in order to guarantee the best traction over long stints", Pirelli boss Mario Isola says on the website of the tyre supplier.

New 2023 tyres

After the Abu Dhabi GP, the teams will remain at Yas Marina for the Young Driver Test, where the likes of Nyck de Vries and Verstappen will also be in action. The Formula 1 teams will test the new 2023 slicks, which have been fine-tuned after extended free practice sessions in the United States and Mexico.

"On the Tuesday after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the 2023 slick tyres will be tried out during a full day of testing, where the teams will be able to decide their run plans as well as which drivers to use: race drivers or young drivers", Isola adds.