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The P Zero White medium tyres
and P Zero Yellow soft tyres will be in action for the Hungarian Grand Prix:
an event steeped in history as it was the first race ever to be held behind
the former Iron Curtain, on a distinctive circuit just outside Budapest that
was described by one former world champion as like “a supersized go-kart
track.” This gives a clear impression of the track characteristics: it is
tight and twisty with one corner leading straight into the next one – and
its compact nature makes it very popular with spectators, who are able to
see most of the circuit from any one vantage point.
Paul Hembery, Pirelli motorsport director: “We go from Silverstone – one of
the fastest and most flowing circuits on the F1 calendar – to the
Hungaroring, which is among the slower circuits with a seemingly non-stop
series of technical corners. It’s a real challenge for the driver, car, and
tyres as they are always working hard: apart from the pit straight, there is
no real point on the circuit where there is any respite. One of the biggest
challenges is the weather: it can be extremely hot in Budapest in July, and
obviously this has a significant effect on thermal degradation. In order to
find the right balance between performance and durability, we’ve selected
the medium and soft tyres, which is the same nomination as last year. This
selection is soft enough to provide the mechanical grip needed to negotiate
all the corners, yet hard enough to withstand the punishing weather
conditions and track layout of the Hungaroring. This is not always the
easiest circuit to overtake on, so tyre strategy can make a real
difference.”
The biggest challenges for the tyres:
There is only one significant straight on the Hungaroring, which means that
the tyres do not get much opportunity to cool down. As a result, the medium
tyre in particular (a low working range compound) will be constantly working
at the upper end of its working range if it is hot. However, rain has been
seen at the Hungaroring in the past too: notably last year.
As well as being tough on tyres, the Hungaroring is very physically
demanding on the drivers. They have often compared it to Singapore (renowned
as the most physically demanding track of the year) due to the high number
of corners, significant ambient temperatures, and comparatively little
airflow though the car.
The Hungaroring is a circuit that is quite well balanced in terms of
traction, braking and lateral energy demands. All the forces acting on the
car are roughly equal in their extent, meaning that a neutral setup is
needed. The teams tend to run maximum downforce to generate the most
aerodynamic grip.
Last year’s strategy and how the race was won: Daniel Ricciardo won the
70-lap race for Red Bull, using three pit stops and a combative strategy to
gain an advantage. Wet conditions meant that the drivers started on the
intermediate tyre, which in turn signified that they were under no
obligation to run both compounds. After completing his opening stint on the
intermediate, Ricciardo ran the rest of the race on the soft tyre, with
strategies also affected by two safety car periods. Mercedes driver Lewis
Hamilton used tyre strategy to help him finish a remarkable third after
starting from the pitlane.
Expected performance gap between the two compounds: 1.2 - 1.5 seconds per
lap.
The Pirelli team choose their race numbers: #9, Matteo Albucci, Travel
Co-ordinator
“For me it’s number 9: this is the number of the month I was born in –
September – and it has always seemed to follow me around, appearing by
chance on the number plates of the cars I have had, for example, as well as
a few other coincidences. I did a bit of research and read a description of
the number, which says it’s ‘an active and dynamic number in its nature and
effects’. I always liked that!” |
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