Pirelli believe a one-stop strategy is possible at this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, although they believe the majority of teams will go for a two-stop race.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is unique in that it takes place in the day but ends at night. This means that, unlike most F1 races, temperatures fall throughout the race.
The soft and medium compound tyres will be brought to the Yas Marina Circuit for the 17th round of the season. This is the same selection to the last race in India.
A one-stop strategy was the norm last year with Kimi Raikkonen sailing to victory ahead of Fernando Alonso. The only front runner to complete a two-stop race was Sebastian Vettel after he had to pit for a new front wing.
Explaining the unique characteristics of the race, motorsport director Paul Hembery said: "The way that the track temperature falls in Abu Dhabi obviously has an effect on both wear and degradation, meaning that teams are able to do longer runs even on the softer compound later in the race. There are some important implications for strategy here, which means that it’s often possible to try something different in Abu Dhabi than you would in other places, which might well pay off at the end of the race."
The circuit is one that Pirelli know well after completing numerous tests at the facility. Looking at the expected race strategies, Hembery added: "Tyre wear and degradation isn’t especially high here: last year, when we also nominated the medium and soft, most drivers just stopped once. As the compounds are generally softer this year we’d expect two stops this time, although it’s quite possible that some teams might try just one."
The yellow-banded soft and white marked medium compounds will be paired together this weekend for the fifth time so far this year.
Average track temperatures can fall by up to 15 degrees during the 55-lap race. The opening series of bends are the most challenging on the tyres with 4g of lateral acceleration forces. Traction is also crucial due to the high number of slow and medium speed corners and the long straights.
Check out Pirelli's 3D race preview with race manager Mario Isola below:
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| (c) Octane Photographic |
The soft and medium compound tyres will be brought to the Yas Marina Circuit for the 17th round of the season. This is the same selection to the last race in India.
A one-stop strategy was the norm last year with Kimi Raikkonen sailing to victory ahead of Fernando Alonso. The only front runner to complete a two-stop race was Sebastian Vettel after he had to pit for a new front wing.
Explaining the unique characteristics of the race, motorsport director Paul Hembery said: "The way that the track temperature falls in Abu Dhabi obviously has an effect on both wear and degradation, meaning that teams are able to do longer runs even on the softer compound later in the race. There are some important implications for strategy here, which means that it’s often possible to try something different in Abu Dhabi than you would in other places, which might well pay off at the end of the race."
The circuit is one that Pirelli know well after completing numerous tests at the facility. Looking at the expected race strategies, Hembery added: "Tyre wear and degradation isn’t especially high here: last year, when we also nominated the medium and soft, most drivers just stopped once. As the compounds are generally softer this year we’d expect two stops this time, although it’s quite possible that some teams might try just one."
The yellow-banded soft and white marked medium compounds will be paired together this weekend for the fifth time so far this year.
Average track temperatures can fall by up to 15 degrees during the 55-lap race. The opening series of bends are the most challenging on the tyres with 4g of lateral acceleration forces. Traction is also crucial due to the high number of slow and medium speed corners and the long straights.
Check out Pirelli's 3D race preview with race manager Mario Isola below:
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