Challenges posed by thin air for power units and brakes in Spielberg | 2023 Austrian GP. Challenges posed by thin air for power units and brakes.

Here are the two tables developed by the engineers at Megaride analyzing the upcoming GP that will take place in Spielberg, Styria. Pirelli has chosen the softest compounds (C3-C4-C5): The track primarily stresses the tires in longitudinal forces. The most stressed tire is the front left during braking, while during acceleration it’s the rear right due to the predominance of right turns. The track requires moderate aerodynamic load and high average speed.

Once again, the Red Bull Ring hosts the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix this year. The track is located at around 700m above sea level in the Austrian Alps and presents the typical challenges of managing the power unit at high altitude, where the air is thinner.

Engine temperatures will need careful monitoring due to potential cooling issues. Additionally, the management of the braking system is delicate given the numerous demanding decelerations.

The Austrian track is fast with 7 right turns and only 2 left turns, rewarding cars with excellent traction.

The tires are particularly stressed in the longitudinal direction, during braking and traction when exiting slow corners, with the most critical section being the approach to turn 3. The only section with significant lateral stress is between turn 7 and turn 8.

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Considering the expectation of relatively low grip levels and the limited severity of the circuit, Pirelli’s technicians have chosen to allocate the softest set of tires, characterized by the C3-C4-C5 compounds, for the Austrian Grand Prix weekend at the Red Bull Ring.

The rear tire is crucial here to achieve good traction when exiting corners, and the presence of several changes in elevation and slope variations could make managing braking points more complex, favoring potential braking lock-ups that need to be avoided from a tire management perspective.