F1 set for three-stop Qatar GP as stint limit imposed

Formula 1’s Qatar Grand Prix is set to feature three stops after governing body the FIA imposed a maximum stint limit on all compounds.

Pirelli detected micro cuts on tyres in the wake of Friday’s running and attributed the issue to the aggressive Turn 12-14 kerbs, and the speed and time spent on them by drivers.

A partial remedy was implemented for Saturday’s running in which the track limit was brought in by 80 centimetres to deter drivers from using too much of the kerb.

However it has been decided that a stint limit of 18 laps will be imposed for Sunday’s race due to ongoing concerns.

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“Due to the frequency of Safety Car interventions in yesterday’s Sprint, the tyre data available for analysis by Pirelli was insufficient to add to that already undertaken following previous track sessions,” read a statement.

“In some cases, tyres that were analysed from the Sprint did show the initial onset of the separation in the sidewall between the topping compound and the carcass cords of the tyres.

“As was the case in Free Practice 1, this issue has likely been caused by the high-frequency interference between the tyre sidewall and the 50mm ‘pyramid’ kerbs used extensively at this circuit, aggravated by the propensity to ride those kerbs.

“As a consequence, it has been decided by the FIA and Pirelli and after consultation with the teams on safety grounds, the following measures will be implemented for today’s Qatar Grand Prix: 

• A mandatory limit of 18 laps of total tyre life per set will be imposed.
• The life of already used tyres will be taken into consideration.
• The FIA and Pirelli will communicate to the teams the remaining available laps for each set of used tyres at their disposal for the race and the criteria used to calculate that number.
• There is no direct mandate for at least three tyre-change pitstops during the race, however this will be a consequence of the above guidelines should the race run its entire race distance.
• Any car deemed to have exceeded the tyre life lap limit will be reported to the Stewards as being run in an unsafe condition.
• This information will be formally communicated to the teams in the Race Directors’ notes and further updates issued as required.”

Teams were already likely facing a multiple stop race due to the energy put through the tyres at the high-speed Lusail International Circuit.

Drivers who attempted to use Soft tyres during the Sprint Race suffered during the closing laps despite there being three Safety Car interruptions in the 19-lap encounter.