Tyre preview for the Japanese Grand Prix

Formula One groups are set to finish a fully-packed observe day in Suzuka as they’ll take a look at a brand new tyre at the Japanese Grand Prix in preparation for subsequent season.

After the tight and slender streets of Singapore, Formula 1 return to a extra conventional observe, the Suzuka International Circuit. The quick and flowing circuit is a demanding one not solely for drivers, however for vehicles as nicely. Suzuka requires excessive downforce. While it contains a hairpin and a low-speed chicane, however the 5.8km observe primarily consists of high-speed corners and swift adjustments of course.

Next to the high-speed corners, there may be one other necessary issue that impacts tyre put on and degradation. The asphalt at Suzuka options a few of the highest ranges of roughness and abrasion seen all season which normally has an necessary impact on tyre administration.

It is due to this fact no shock that groups may have three compounds from the more durable finish of Pirelli’s tyre vary accessible at Suzuka. The C1 will function P Zero White laborious, C2 as P Zero Yellow medium and C3 as P Zero Red tender.

The observe belongs to the group of longer circuits of the calendar with its size of 5.807km. Drivers might want to rack up a complete of 53 laps to finish the complete race distance of 307.471km. The present lap report belongs to Lewis Hamilton who clocked in a 1m30.983s in the 2019 Japanese Grand Prix.

Tyre stress is one among the highest achieved throughout the season. Pirelli due to this fact nominated fairly excessive minimal beginning pressures. The minimal will probably be set at 25.0psi for the entrance tyres and 23.0psi for the rears. Camber limits are -2.75° for the fronts and -1.5° for the rears.

Weather situations have typically closely influenced the Japanese Grand Prix. On 4 events (2004, 2009, 2010, and 2019) qualifying has been held on Sunday morning as a result of torrential rain or the risk of a hurricane. However, final week was marked by the excessive temperatures with highs of as much as 33 levels centigrade with heat climate anticipated for this weekend as nicely. If ambient temperatures proceed to remain so excessive, tyre degradation might turn out to be an necessary issue.

Moreover, Formula 1 groups may have the alternative to check a brand new C2 compound for 2024 throughout the Japanese Grand Prix observe classes at Suzuka.

Pirelli’s Motorsport Director Mario Isola commented: “The Japanese Grand Prix takes place on one among the most fascinating and demanding tracks in Formula 1 historical past: Suzuka, with its distinctive determine of eight structure. This historic venue is a drivers’ favorite, being completely thrilling to drive in right now’s ultra-competitive single-seaters. With its very vital lateral and vertical masses, Suzuka is as demanding on tyres as it’s on drivers.

“These calls for are equally distributed throughout all 4 wheels, with 10 right-handers and eight left-handers all through the six-kilometre lap. As a results of these difficult traits, we carry a few of the hardest tyres in the 2023 vary to Japan: C1, C2, and C3. This is just nominally the similar as final 12 months’s choice on account of the new C1 compound, which was launched this season to fit in between the C2 and former C1 (now known as C0). On Friday, all the groups will get the probability to check a brand new model of the C2 compound, with a view to homologating it for subsequent season.

“This newest evolution ought to present extra grip than the present C2, and so match in additional coherently between the C1 and C3. For the first two free observe classes, every driver may have two further units of tyres, in comparison with the standard 13 units per weekend. This take a look at is a part of a growth programme that was not too long ago outlined for 2024 and can proceed with a brand new C4 compound to be examined on observe throughout the Mexican Grand Prix weekend.”