Pirelli has chosen to conduct its first moist F1 check in Bahrain on the finish of February.
The choice to conduct moist tire assessments in one of many hottest and driest international locations visited by F1 has definitely raised eyebrows, however there may be logic in Pirelli’s considering.
Bahrain was chosen as F1’s sole tire provider after contemplating learn how to conduct assessments to enhance moist tires, which have been closely criticized by drivers lately.
Venues corresponding to Fiorano, Paul Ricard and Magny-Cours would appear higher on paper as they will use their very own sprinkler techniques to artificially soak the observe, however they will not be capable to obtain the excessive diploma of degradation that Pirelli is searching for.
The Bahrain Worldwide Circuit will not be geared up with a sprinkler system, nevertheless it has a notoriously high-wear observe that takes its toll on tires.
Pirelli believes this offers an excellent atmosphere for stress testing rubber.
“We’re holding a moist (check) right here in Bahrain,” Pirelli’s head of motorsport Mario Isola defined throughout the begin of F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain.
“On the observe, we’ve an concept of learn how to moist the entire circuit, utilizing a distinct (sprinkler) system slightly than a tank, so I am very assured. And in the event that they do it proper, we’ll have the chance to check it on a circuit with robust moist circumstances.”
“This does not occur fairly often. So we’ve this chance and we need to use it in the absolute best means. I’ve to say that the folks of Bahrain are all the time very cooperative after we make unusual requests. I known as them and stated: ‘Why do not we arrange a moist check in Bahrain?’ Sure, after all it’s attainable. Let’s give it some thought.”
“(It is not simple) since you want water stage consistency. Clearly, there is a threat that the water stage discrepancies are extra vital than the prototype variations.”
Bahrain is a good selection for a moist climate check
Isola added: “There might be a chance to check it on a troublesome circuit in moist circumstances.
“This does not occur fairly often. So we’ve this chance and we need to use it in one of the simplest ways attainable.”
F1’s full moist compounds are a specific supply of controversy as they’re not often used and regarded unsuitable besides in excessive circumstances the place circuit racing is usually deserted.
Pirelli is decided to make full moist tires extra user-friendly.
“What we tried to do is scale back the crossover time between the moist tire and the intermediate tire to make the moist tire extra usable,” Isola stated.
“The vital factor is that if you’re in race circumstances and the observe is anticipated to be dry, they are going to placed on intermediates since you need to reduce the variety of pit stops.”
