F1 Compounds Monza: Pirelli chooses the softest trio. At Zandvoort and Madrid with C2-C3-C4
Pirelli has officially announced the tire selection for the next three Formula 1 World Championship events, confirming different strategies based on the characteristics of the circuits. Fans’ attention is already focused on the compounds for the Monza GP, where for the Italian Grand Prix (13th round of the F1 World Championship) the C3, C4 and C5 tires will be available, that is the softest trio of the range. For the Dutch and Spanish GPs, instead, the sole supplier has opted for the middle range composed of C2, C3 and C4.
For the last event at Zandvoort (the circuit will not be confirmed on the calendar) the same choice as last year is confirmed. The Dutch track, characterized by medium and low speed corners and the famous banked curves, imposes high loads on the tires both laterally and vertically. Further complicating tire management are the low grip level of the asphalt and the sand carried by the wind from the nearby beaches, elements that make it essential to find the right compromise in terms of performance and durability.
The compounds for the Monza GP will instead be protagonists on a circuit with completely different characteristics. The Temple of Speed requires low downforce aerodynamic configurations to maximize speed on the long straights. Moreover, the time needed to make a pit stop is among the highest on the entire calendar, which is why teams will try to extend stints with the aim of completing the race with a single pit stop. However, particularly high temperatures could increase tire degradation and force teams to revise strategies.
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While Monza and Zandvoort represent a slice of F1 history, the same cannot be said for Madrid, an absolute new entry on the calendar. The choice of compounds for the Spanish semi-urban track was defined through simulations based on the characteristics of the layout, composed of 22 very different corners, significant altitude changes, and a long banked curve. For this event, Pirelli decided to bring the middle range, considered the most suitable to meet the needs of the new layout.
According to analyses carried out by Pirelli, the Madring presents tire stress levels similar to those of tracks like Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps. The use of C2, C3 and C4 compounds should favor a two-stop strategy, while at the same time offering a greater safety margin in case of high temperatures. A choice that confirms how tire management will continue to be one of the key elements also in the upcoming World Championship events.
