Pirelli supersoft tires make Monaco GP debut
ERJ staff report (TP)
Milan, Italy – Pirelli’s P Zero Red supersoft tires make their 2014 debut at the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix this week.
The new tires will be used alongside the soft tires already used in three of the five races held so far.
The Monaco GP runs 22-25 May and has the lowest average lap speed of the year, as well as the slowest corners of the season. This means cars rely almost entirely on mechanical rather than aerodynamic grip – which is generated only by the tires.
Pirelli says a quick tire warm-up is essential, to allow the compounds to deliver maximum adhesion as quickly as possible. A slippery surface, with the usual street furniture found on a street circuit – such as painted lines, manhole covers and bumps – only adds to the challenge for the tires. Part of the circuit has been resurfaced this year, after the exit from the tunnel.
Paul Hembery, Pirelli motorsport director, said: “The supersoft tires make their debut in Monaco, which like all our 2014 slick tires have new compounds and constructions this year, designed to improve their durability.
“Wear and degradation is traditionally very low in Monaco, so it’s possible to do the race with just one pit stop. However, that’s not always the quickest way, therefore strategy will as always play an important part: particularly with Monaco being such a difficult track to overtake on.”
Nico Rosberg won for Mercedes last year, having qualified on pole. He claimed victory with a two-stop strategy (supersoft-soft-supersoft) but the race was also affected by two safety car periods, which effectively handed drivers a ‘free’ stop.
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Press release from Pirelli
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