Pirelli Concerned About Tarmac Conditions at Shanghai International Circuit for Formula 1 Return to China

Formula 1 tire supplier Pirelli is facing a unique challenge as the sport makes its return to China after a five-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The apprehension stems from the tarmac conditions at the Shanghai International Circuit, which have not been assessed by Pirelli engineers, hindering the evaluation of tire options for the upcoming Grand Prix.

With the switch to 18-inch tires since the last race in 2019, uncertainty surrounds tire selection as potential track alterations and the lack of pre-assessment add complexity to the situation. The rapid succession of sessions during the sprint weekend, with FP1 followed immediately by qualifying for Saturday’s sprint event, further complicates matters for drivers and teams navigating the unfamiliar circuit’s potential undulations and ground-effect car dynamics.

Pirelli Formula 1 chief engineer Simone Berra acknowledged the challenges ahead, describing the track as essentially a new venue due to the lack of recent use. The foundation of the circuit on swampland raises concerns about subtle undulations that may have developed over time, posing unexpected challenges for the ground-effect F1 cars.

Despite the obstacles, Berra expressed confidence in the tire selection for the Chinese Grand Prix, emphasizing the versatility of the chosen compounds to cover any potential scenarios. While unable to conduct a track inspection beforehand, Pirelli remains optimistic about the upcoming race, ready to tackle the challenges presented by the unfamiliar conditions at the Shanghai International Circuit.