Pirelli prepares for a new Grand Prix. We fly to Baku, in Azerbaijan, for the seventh appointment of the year. So like every race week, let's find out together the selected range dallcompany with a long P for this Grand Prix.
THE TIRES ON THE TRACK
- For the characteristics of the Baku street circuit, which combines the complexity of Monaco with the speed of Monza, Pirelli has selected the three softest compounds in the range. C3 was chosen as P Zero White hard, C4 as P Zero Yellow medium and C5 as P Zero Red soft. The nomination is the same as for the 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Let's not forget that the structure and compounds of this year's tires are completely new.
- Baku is a street circuit with a unique personality, encompassing both fast straights and extremely tight and technical sections. Especially around the famous turn 9 area in the historic centre. Consequently, compared to Monaco, where the teams opt for a high-downforce setup, Baku tends to favor a medium-low downforce. You can balance the need for grip on the tightest corners on the one hand, and the need to reach high speeds on the straights to attempt overtaking on the other. In 2016, on this track, Valtteri Bottas – who ran with Pirelli tires – exceeded 378 km/h. He thus managed to obtain an unofficial record which is still unbeaten.
- The temperatures could be high, with peaks of over 50 degrees for the asphalt. The values can vary a lot along the lap due to the buildings that surround the track and draw alternating areas of light and shadow.
- Last year he won the one-stop strategy, although the race was red-flagged in the closing stages. Most teams opted for a soft-hard strategy. This year the strategies could be different. It should be recalled that the rule which provided for the start to be fitted with the same tire with which access to Q3 was obtained has been eliminated.
Isola: "Traction will be the key point"
They are clearly not missing, the words of Mario Isola, who thus presented the Baku Grand Prix.
“Before Jeddah's debut, Baku was the fastest street circuit on the calendar. However, it's not too demanding on the tires as there are no corners that put huge loads on the tyres. Abrasion levels are low and lateral forces contained, so having the same nomination as Monaco is a consistent choice. However, it must be said that the high speeds reached on this track put the tires to the test. The key factor here is traction. THEhe main challenge for the teams will be finding the right balance between the front and rear axles. Sara You need to warm up the front tyres, to generate grip, knowing that the long straights will cool the tyres. The heat must not be excessive at the rear, otherwise there is a risk of overheating in the traction areas. Furthermore, the fickle temperature of the asphalt contributes to making Baku a circuit with peculiar characteristics and various technical challenges”.
SOURCE: Pirelli F1 Media
