Precautionary measures, aimed at minimising race disruptions, could be made ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, due to Pirelli\u2019s discovery of \u2018deep\u2019 tyre cuts on Friday night.<\/p>\n
On a weekend where a 25-lap mandatory maximum tyre life has been imposed, Pirelli has discovered that the sharp gravel in use at the Losail Circuit is causing deep lacerations to its tyres.<\/p>\n
Pirelli reveal \u2018quite deep\u2019 gravel cuts<\/p>\n
While the practice and Sprint qualifying session played out without incident on Friday as the drivers got the action underway in Qatar, Pirelli revealed at the end of the day\u2019s running that some of the off-track moments during the day had resulted in tyre damage.<\/p>\n
Several drivers used the escape area during the day, with such escapades involving driving over the narrow gravel strips introduced to the circuit since last year.<\/p>\n
There are new gravel strips at the exit of Turn 6 and Turn 16, another on the right-hand side of Turn 10, and an extended gravel strip at Turn 14. The intent of these is to serve as a physical track limits deterrent, due to the expanse of smooth concrete otherwise lining the circuit.<\/p>\n
These Friday excursions didn\u2019t result in any immediate tyre issues, but Pirelli\u2019s Simone Berra confirmed afterwards the tyre manufacturer had observed some damage to the compounds.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had several cuts on the thread,\u201d he told media in Qatar.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll the corners affected, this is mainly due to the gravel traps that we have here. The circuit added also three or four strips compared to last year.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously the drivers, when they are pushing to the limit, they are bringing some gravel onto the racing line.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s quite sharp because it\u2019s generated these cuts quite easily. It seems sharper than other circuits, it\u2019s not rounded.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have seen some quite deep gravel cuts. Some of them were very deep.\u201d<\/p>\n
Berra explained that, due to the risks involved, the FIA may decide to call upon the tools available to it in order to ensure the safe running of the Sprint and the Grand Prix.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the moment, we are not, let\u2019s say, concerned,\u201d Berra said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut obviously we need to take into account any possible implication during the Sprint or during the race, if the situation can create some issues on the tyre, or some punctures potentially.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously, 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
These cuts, Berra explained, went beyond that of superficiality.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve seen a couple of cuts that were quite deep,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo they reached the construction. They didn\u2019t cut any cords, luckily.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut, obviously, if you expose the construction and you pass continuously on this gravel, then you can risk to have a puncture.\u201d<\/p>\n
PlanetF1.com understands the FIA is keeping a watching brief on developments on track during the Sprint race, with an open mind being taken as to possible solutions if tyre cuts prove to be a major concern for the rest of the weekend.<\/p>\n
These include the possibility of removing the gravel traps entirely and repaving, or possibly turning to the same strategy as it did in 2023 when the kerbing around the Losail Circuit was causing lacerations to the tyres.<\/p>\n
On that occasion, the FIA opted to redefine track limits at several corners, and gave the drivers an additional 10-minute session on track to allow for familiarisation with the different approach to the circuit.<\/p>\n
The situation will be closely monitored throughout the race weekend in Qatar, although no action, if any, will be taken until after the Sprint race.<\/p>\n
One helpful factor, Berra explained, is that the drivers won\u2019t be pushing the limits of the track quite as much during the races as opposed to their single-lap pushes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn qualifying sessions, drivers are going to the limit much more than during the Sprint or the race, they stay a little bit more on track during the Sprint and race,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo it could be less of a concern during the Sprint and Sunday during the race.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut, obviously, we want to keep our eyes open on this matter.\u201d<\/p>\n