Tyre and technique perception
“In Sao Paulo all 4.309 kilometres [of the track surface] has been renewed, together with the pit lane,” reads Pirelli’s weekend preview. “The work was solely not too long ago accomplished and the asphalt was then completely cleaned, utilizing a excessive strain water washing system that removes the sheen that normally seems on model new bitumen and this has additionally elevated the abrasiveness of the floor.
“Subsequently, the monitor floor will probably be a totally unknown issue for drivers and groups this weekend. Complicating the puzzle nonetheless additional is the actual fact Pirelli has chosen to convey a softer trio of compounds to Brazil than final yr.
THE STRATEGIST: Did ‘idiot’ back markers cost Ferrari a 1-2 in Mexico?
“On prime of that it’s a Dash weekend, so that there’s solely free observe session for groups to search out the very best set-up, even when, as was seen in Austin, the “quick” race in reality proved to be very helpful to positive tune the stability of the automobile for the precise Grand Prix.
“At Interlagos, the lateral and longitudinal forces exerted on the tyres across the 15 corners of this anticlockwise monitor are medium to low in depth and effectively distributed throughout each axles. Moreover, the brand new monitor floor might see a decreasing of lap instances and, as a consequence, a rise of the stress to which the tyres are subjected.
“The Brazilian weekend normally gives spectacular motion. The circuit named in honour of Jose Carlos Tempo presents a number of overtaking alternatives, however different random elements, akin to a excessive likelihood of a Security Automotive and intensely changeable climate, make the end result of the Grand Prix unsure and onerous to foretell.
“Often, the quickest technique is a two-stop, favouring the usage of the softer compounds. Final yr, all bar one of many drivers selected to begin on the softs, however a crimson flag after the beginning allowed for a change to mediums earlier than ending the race on one other set of softs. This yr, the actual fact the compounds are a step softer might open up a wider vary of potential methods, making the race much more thrilling.”
FAN VIEW: A 3-time winner right here, it’s unsurprising that F1 Play avid gamers see Hamilton as a candidate to sneak a podium spot exterior of Verstappen, Norris and the in-form Ferraris. Oscar Piastri within the different McLaren can also be considered as an actual contender to complete within the prime three.
