After the week off, theFormula One is getting ready to get back on track with the USA Grand Prix. We therefore return to Austin, in Texas, on a track that can give a lot of show. Like every weekend, let's discover the choices of Pirelli and Mario Isola's indications for this GP.
THE TIRES ON THE TRACK
- In Texas, the three central compounds were named. C2 as P Zero White hard, C3 as P Zero Yellow medium and C4 as P Zero Red soft.
- The irregularities of the Texan track could make it necessary for the bottom of the cars to have a greater clearance from the ground. This affects aerodynamic performance. The teams will therefore have to carefully analyze the data collected, to find the best possible set-up.
- In 2021, the teams have opted for a two-stop strategy but this year things may not go in that direction. You have to consider the completely different tyres, the weather and the new variables on the track.
- As announced in Japan, the second free practice session will be extended up to 90 minutes. The aim is to test some dry-weather tire prototypes for 2023 and thus prepare the compounds for next year, preparatory to the definitive versions that the teams will test after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
- Pirelli establishes the run plans for FP2, entirely dedicated to tire testing.
- Teams that employ a young driver in FP1 will be able to continue their program for the first part of the second session, and then concentrate on tire testing for the rest of the time.
- Prototype tires will be easily recognized because they will not have colored bands on the sidewall.
Mario Isola: "Watch out for the indications from free practice"
Of course, the presentation could not be missing of Mario Isola's weekend.
“The Circuit of the Americas is a track where the loads on the cars and tires – such as traction, braking and lateral forces – are very balanced. A flowing track, loved by the riders, with an asphalt which, although partially redone in 2020, has some areas with irregularities that should not be underestimated. Last year the surface was 'smoothed' to smooth out the rough spots which force teams to increase the ground clearance of the cars, therefore penalizing downforce. In the first free practice session, there could be a high evolution of the track and it will therefore be essential for the teams to make the best use of the data collected in FP3, to then define the best race strategy. In fact, the second free practice session will be dedicated to testing the dry-weather tire prototypes for 2023, if the weather permits. In Austin, in fact, the weather conditions and temperatures showed considerable variability.”
SOURCE: Pirelli F1 Media
