'At Least Three Tire-Change Pitstops' Might Be Required For Sunday Race In Qatar

Saturday, 07 October 2023 at 14:01

Updated at Saturday, 18 November 2023 at 21:48

FIA discovered a possible tire problem, and mandatory three tire-change pitstops are being considered as an option for the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix.

FIA issued a statement on Saturday, October 7, 2023, expressing safety concerns over tire damage found after the Free Practice 1 session that took place on Friday before Qualifying for the main event. The statement says:

"Following the standard analysis of tires used during Free Practice 1 yesterday, in which tires that have been used for approximately 20 laps are examined by Pirelli to check various safety parameters, a separation in the sidewall between the topping compound and the carcass cords on many of tires that were checked was discovered."

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The statement continues to explain to FIA and Pirelli that a significant number of laps on the tires during the Grand Prix could result in "circumferential damage of the tires with subsequent air loss". This issue is not evident in tires with lower lap numbers.

Apparently, the damages on the tires might be caused by "high-frequency interference between the tire sidewall and the 50mm ‘pyramid’ curbs used extensively at this circuit". The statement also outlines the actions that will be taken as a response to this issue.

"The following actions will be taken on safety grounds in response to this issue:
1. Track limits at Turns 12-13 will be revised.
2. There will be a 10-minute Practice Familiarisation Session, scheduled to start at 16:00 local time, following the revision of the track limits, to allow drivers to adjust to the changes. The Sprint Shootout will therefore start 20 minutes later than scheduled (16:20 local time).
3. There will be extensive tire analysis following the Sprint (19 laps), to decide whether further action needs to be taken ahead of the Grand Prix.

4. In the event the problem is still evident, we will be issuing the following directive for Sunday’s Grand Prix, on safety grounds: The tire life parameter must not exceed 20 for new tires used in the race. This number would rise to 22 for any used tyres fitted in the race, to account for in-out laps in qualifying. All drivers will be obliged to perform at least three tire-change pitstops during the race.
A) The tire life parameter must not exceed 20 for new tires used in the race. This number would rise to 22 for any used tyres fitted in the race, to account for in-out laps in qualifying.
B) All drivers will be obliged to perform at least three tyre-change pitstops during the race