THE TYRES ON TRACK
Pirelli has opted for the softest range of tyres for the Baku street circuit in view of the next round of the 2023 Formula One campaign, with the C3, C4, and C5 compounds being the P Zero White hard, P Zero Yellow medium, and P Zero Red soft respectively.
The F1 Commission has confirmed a new race format for the Baku weekend, which includes a Sprint Shootout session that replaces the second free practice session. This means that the fastest driver in the Sprint Shootout will receive the Pirelli Sprint Shootout Award. The Sprint Shootout session will be split into three qualifying sessions: Q1, Q2, and Q3, with each session lasting 12 minutes, 10 minutes, and eight minutes respectively. The teams are required to use new sets of tyres for each session, with the medium for Q1 and Q2 and the soft for Q3.
The result of the Sprint Shootout will determine the grid for the Sprint Race, which begins at 17:30 on Saturday local time. However, the Sprint classification does not impact the grid for Sunday’s grand prix, which will be determined through the standard qualifying session on Friday afternoon. The poleman for the grand prix will be awarded the Pirelli Pole Position Award.
During the Sprint Shootout, each driver will be provided with two sets of hard tyres, four sets of medium, and six sets of softs, one less set than usual. Additionally, there will be four sets of Cinturato Green intermediates and three sets of Cinturato Blue full wets provided for wet-weather racing.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix takes place on a six-kilometre track which represents an interesting mix of narrow turn and fast straights. The track features two DRS zones and has been resurfaced, with the latest asphalt roughness being unknown until free practice. The race takes place at a different time of year compared to last year, with temperatures potentially being 10 degrees lower, as we saw five years ago.
Baku has a 75% chance of a neutralisation, with two Virtual Safety Car periods occurring in last year’s race. No driver has ever won the Baku race more than once, with past winners being Nico Rosberg, Daniel Ricciardo, Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez, and Max Verstappen. Mercedes and Red Bull are the only teams to have won, with each team securing a one-two in 2019 and 2022 respectively.
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“Baku presents a unique set of characteristics on the Formula 1 calendar with a very slow section that’s typical of a street circuit, as well as other parts of the track that are very fast. We’re bringing the three softest compounds in the 2023 range, which are well suited to this venue. One of the most crucial aspects to the weekend will be not only finding the right compromise in terms of setup, but also balancing the tyre management. The tyres on the front axle needs to be warm enough to guarantee optimal grip – despite the long straights cooling them down – but it’s equally important not to overheat the rears in the traction phase. So the key is to balance the temperatures successfully between front and rear, because there’s a big risk of lock-ups and the walls in Azerbaijan take no prisoners, as we’ve seen in previous races here.” – Mario Isola, Pirelli Motorsport Director, said in the official Pirelli preview published on their website ahead of the Baku race weekend.
“This year, the Sprint Shootout makes its debut on Saturday morning to determine the grid for the Sprint Race in the afternoon, with drivers obliged to use one set of mediums for each of the first two Shootout sessions, then a set of soft for the final session. This presents an extra challenge for the teams and also for Pirelli as there will be less long run data available, but we’re confident that it provides an opportunity to add to the spectacular show of a Formula 1 grand prix weekend.” – Mario Isola concluded.
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