Pirelli Preview: Japanese Grand Prix
Everything you need to know from the Italian tyres manufacturer about the Japanese Grand Prix: the track, tyres available and more
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Another back to back in the Formula 1 calendar, as the Paddock is already moving, and almost ready, in Japan, after Sunday's Sochi Grand Prix.
For the high energy demands of the Suzuka track, Pirelli, the italian tyres manufacturer, has selected the white Medium, the yellow Soft and the red SuperSoft. Obviously, the tyre nomination is the same as last year, but in fact it's a step softer, considering the changes that Pirelli made in their "Pirelli rainbow".
Last year Lewis Hamilton won the Grand Prix, followed by Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo. Sebastian Vettel collected a DNF thanks to a mechanical problem.
The winning race strategy was a one pit stop. The race was characterized by a Safety Car, and the weather is always unpredictable in Suzuka.
The 2018 edition of the Suzuka Grand Prix will mark the 30th GP disputed on this track .
“Suzuka features some of the highest energy loadings of the season and this can lead to greater levels of wear and degradation than we normally see." Said Mario Isola, Pirelli's Head of Car Racing. "It’s also the only circuit in a figure of eight on the calendar, which means that the tyre wear between the left and the right side is about even. A one-stop strategy triumphed at Suzuka in 2017, but prior to that the trend was mainly towards a two-stopper. It’s going to be interesting to see if this year’s softer tyres – and even faster cars – produces a different set of tactics. The teams will always look to do a one-stopper if possible, but this of course has to be balanced against how much tyre management is needed to achieve this. Depending also on the time lost for a pit stop, it could be that a two-stopper is quicker.”
Here are the tyre choices per driver for the Japanese Grand Prix.
For the high energy demands of the Suzuka track, Pirelli, the italian tyres manufacturer, has selected the white Medium, the yellow Soft and the red SuperSoft. Obviously, the tyre nomination is the same as last year, but in fact it's a step softer, considering the changes that Pirelli made in their "Pirelli rainbow".
Last year Lewis Hamilton won the Grand Prix, followed by Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo. Sebastian Vettel collected a DNF thanks to a mechanical problem.
The winning race strategy was a one pit stop. The race was characterized by a Safety Car, and the weather is always unpredictable in Suzuka.
The 2018 edition of the Suzuka Grand Prix will mark the 30th GP disputed on this track .
“Suzuka features some of the highest energy loadings of the season and this can lead to greater levels of wear and degradation than we normally see." Said Mario Isola, Pirelli's Head of Car Racing. "It’s also the only circuit in a figure of eight on the calendar, which means that the tyre wear between the left and the right side is about even. A one-stop strategy triumphed at Suzuka in 2017, but prior to that the trend was mainly towards a two-stopper. It’s going to be interesting to see if this year’s softer tyres – and even faster cars – produces a different set of tactics. The teams will always look to do a one-stopper if possible, but this of course has to be balanced against how much tyre management is needed to achieve this. Depending also on the time lost for a pit stop, it could be that a two-stopper is quicker.”
Here are the tyre choices per driver for the Japanese Grand Prix.