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Having brought the three hardest
compounds in the range to the last grand prix in Spain, Pirelli now brings
the three softest compounds to a completely different type of circuit,
Monaco, featuring soft, supersoft and ultrasoft. The famous street circuit
is well-known for having the lowest average speed and tyre degradation of
the year: as such a one-stop race is the most likely scenario. But how the
different teams approach this demanding and unforgiving race strategically
is much more uncertain...
THE CIRCUIT FROM A TYRE POINT OF VIEW
- It’s hard to overtake in Monaco, so a strong qualifying – by unlocking the
performance of the ultrasoft already in practice – is vital.
- Degradation will be very low: even the ultrasoft should be able to run
long stints.
- With the lowest wear of the year as well, the window for the sole pit stop
is wide open.
- Lowest average speed of the season and also the slowest corner: Fairmont
hairpin.
- Teams run the highest downforce possible to enhance the mechanical grip
from tyres.
- With no run-off area, it’s impossible to get away with any mistakes:
precision is vital. |
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MARIO ISOLA - HEAD OF CAR
RACING
“The three softest compounds are the obvious choice for Monaco, but there is
still plenty of scope for strategic variation, because wear and degradation
is so low that the teams can more or less choose whenever they would like to
make their single pit stop from ultrasoft to supersoft, which should be the
standard choice for the race. This is the first grand prix that the drivers
have been able to select their own tyre allocations, and as expected the
nominations have overwhelmingly favoured the ultrasoft. This is the tyre
that will be used the most in both qualifying and the race.”
WHAT’S NEW?
- Some teams are introducing further upgrade packages as well as specific
parts for Monaco, but overall performance is not always the deciding factor
in the Principality.
- Former Monaco winner Jenson Button returns to Formula 1 with McLaren for
the first time since last year, deputising for Fernando Alonso, who is
competing in the Indy 500.
- As is traditional in Monaco, there is no F1 track action on Friday, with
free practice instead taking place on Thursday. |
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