Unless repairs to the cars of Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz require the replacement of sensitive parts after the accident that occurred at the end of Q3 yesterday in Monaco, the starting grid for today’s GP will see the Ferrari and Red Bull cars sprint from the first and second row respectively. Threatening the monotony of the race is the high probability of rain, with thunderstorms expected just in the period in which the GP will be held. So let’s take a look at the information given to us by the tire manufacturer at the end of qualifying.
The 78 laps of the Monaco Grand Prix are often compared to a roulette spin at the Principality’s famous casino, with the race being made even more unpredictable by the rain. Under normal circumstances, one would certainly focus on a single stop: wear is slightly higher than expected but the degradation is manageable. The Hard tyre becomes a viable choice: it will offer teams the opportunity to face longer stints in and all the advantages that derive from it.
However, Pirelli confirms there are several tyre strategies possible for drivers to undertake at this afternoon’s Monaco Grand Prix on the streets of Monte Carlo. Pirelli has brought the C3, C4 and C5 tyres to Monaco, the softest tyres in its dry compound range.
The Monaco Grand Prix is usually completed with just one pit stop, because track position is essential given the track layout and the narrow Monte Carlo streets. But while teams would often choose the softest tyres for the race, Pirelli confirmed that tyre wear in Monaco this weekend has been higher than anticipated, which means that teams will be taking into consideration the possibility of using the white-walled Hard tyre for today’s Monaco Grand Prix.
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One strategy option would be for drivers to start the race on the Soft compound, which should provide an advantage to secure track position on the opening lap and use the Hards for the second stint. However, others could use the Medium tyre at the start to be able to extend the first stint and maybe take advantage of a Safety Car period, with the probability of an intervention high in Monaco.
One other factor to consider for today is the possibility that it will rain, as the current forecast is indicating there is a risk of a downpour during the grand prix.
Pirelli’s Head of F1 Mario Isola explained: “Now the focus switches to the race, with a chance of rain forecast and maybe cooler temperatures. Whatever happens, a variety of strategies is possible, with all three of the compounds having already showed that they have an important role to play. The Soft was an essential ingredient to qualifying, but with the wear that’s been noted, the Medium and Hard tyres are likely to be the focus of the race tomorrow.” – he said.
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