Formula 1 tyre supplier Pirelli will closely monitor tyre wear over the Qatar Grand Prix after teams discovered several deep cuts caused by sharp gravel dragged onto the racing line.
Following Friday’s sessions in Qatar, Pirelli confirmed that multiple sets of tyres showed significant slicing in the rubber.
After their examination, the tyre supplier emphasised that the damage was severe enough to reach the construction layer.
This could cause significant risks during the race for drivers who venture off into the gravel traps.
Pirelli’s Chief Engineer, Simone Berra, said the findings prompted caution, even though none of the affected tyres had suffered structural failure.
“I’ve seen a couple of cuts that were quite deep,” Berra explained.
“They reached the construction, but they didn’t cut any cords, luckily. Obviously, if you expose the construction and you pass continuously on this gravel, then you can risk having a puncture.”
According to Berra, these new cuts and damages to the tyres come with the fresh addition of new gravel around the Lusail International Circuit.
With these new gravel traps, drivers are more likely to run wide and kick up rocks onto kerbs and even the racing line. Ultimately causing excessive tyre wear.
“It’s quite sharp because it has generated these cuts quite easily,” said Berra. “It seems sharper than other circuits.”
Pirelli confirms no immediate changes for Qatar GP
Whilst this adds a significant challenge for drivers, Pirelli has confirmed that the situation is not yet serious enough to trigger immediate action.
However, Berra has stressed to teams and drivers that punctures in the Sprint and Grand Prix are highly likely.
“At the moment we are not, let’s say, concerned,” Berra emphasised.
“But obviously we need to take into account any possible implications during the sprint and during the race if the situation can create some issues on the tyre, or some punctures potentially.”
However, if the FIA believes there is an excessive or dangerous amount of gravel on the track, they will intervene.
Berra believes that interventions such as a Safety Car or red flag could be utilised throughout the weekend, allowing them to clear any potential safety threats.
“Obviously the FIA also will monitor the situation in terms of gravel on track, and they can possibly use a red flag or a Safety Car to clean the track,” he concluded.
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