(Pirelli Motorsport Media)
Following an extremely productive test with their new prototype 18'' tyre in Silverstone last week Pirelli's focus now switches to the German Grand Prix this weekend at the Hockenheimring. The Italian company will bring the Soft and Super soft compound tyre to the German Grand Prix. The Yellow and Red walled tyre will make an appearance for the first race since the Austrian Grand Prix.
The Hard and Medium compound tyre was used last time out at the British Grand Prix where the unpredictable weather conditions meant that it was not viable to bring the Soft and Super soft tyre to Silverstone, however the warmer conditions expected in Germany this weekend mean that it is the ideal time to use the Soft and Super soft tyre which means that teams should be in a position to get the best possible performance out of the P Zero tyre.
For the following race, the Hungarian Grand Prix a week later Pirelli have nominated the Soft and Medium compound tyre.
Germany and Hungary are the back to back events on the European F1 calendar this season which means that it is an extremely quick turn around with the F1 circus heading straight to the Hungaroring before Formula One heads on holiday. Pirelli Motorsport Director, Paul Hembery said:
'It’s a pleasure to go back to Hockenheim after two years away, but this increases the workload for ourselves and the teams as the only concrete F1 data we currently have is two years old – when the cars and the tyres were very different. So we expect the Friday free practice sessions to be extremely important, as the teams use the time to assimilate as much relevant information as they can. We’ve never been to Hockenheim with the supersoft before, but now that we have collected more data on the compounds this year, we think it should be well-suited to the varying demands of Hockenheim, which used to be one of the fastest circuits in the world, before it was modified in 2002.
By Friday afternoon, we should have a clearer idea of how many pit stops we might expect. Germany has always been at the heart of not just Formula One but the automotive industry as a whole, so we’re looking forward once more to showcasing our products in front of the extremely enthusiastic and knowledgeable German fans.'
Pirelli Consultant and former F1 driver, Jean Alesi commented:
'The new Hockenheimring is a very nice track. It was also great a few years ago: in fact it was epic, with some flat-out straights that went on forever, together with the twisty Motodrom. Back then you used to have to go either one way or the other with the set-up: there was no room to meet in the middle. Now, with straights that are shorter, finding a compromise set-up is easier – and overtaking isn’t as difficult too.
The track surface is very smooth, and the key to good tyre management is looking after the rears: there’s lots of acceleration out of slow corners, so keeping those rear tyres in good condition is absolutely crucial to a competitive performance. And let’s not forget the weather: we’ve seen both torrential rain and bright sunshine at Hockenheim in the past. That always introduces an element of unpredictability, both for qualifying and the race.'
© Ben Johnston 2014
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