Spanish Grand ‍Prix: Tyre Strategy in Focus Amidst Flexi-Wing​ Changes

⁢ ⁢⁣ Updated June 01, 2025
⁢

The Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit ⁤de Barcelona-Catalunya brings unique ⁤challenges for Formula 1 teams.
‌ ⁣Despite the​ track’s familiarity, ⁣the absence of ⁣pre-season testing data adds complexity to tyre management and
⁣ ‍ overall race ​strategy.⁤ Teams are closely monitoring tyre degradation‌ to optimize their​ pit stop strategies.

A recent⁢ technical directive targeting aero-elastic front ‌wings aimed to curb drag ⁤reduction and improve top
⁤ ⁢ ⁣ speed. Though, the impact appears minimal. The primary goal⁤ was⁤ to ⁢stabilize balance​ shifts in ground-effect
​ cars, ⁣notably the transition from oversteer to understeer during corners.

Pirelli tyres

Photo by: Erik ‍Junius

Pirelli’s motorsport manager ‌Mario Isola noted ​that despite higher cornering loads, pole position lap times ⁣were
‌ ‌ only marginally slower.”More​ load ‌that is not translating in more performance,” Isola said.

the Barcelona track’s abrasive surface, coupled with high-speed ⁣corners and two DRS zones, places significant
‍ demands on ⁣tyre performance. Pirelli selected the hardest ‍compounds: C1, ​C2, and C3. However, practice sessions
indicate a likely‍ two-stop race strategy ⁣due to the C1 compound’s limited ⁤grip, leading⁣ to early degradation.
⁣

Teams are struggling to find the optimal balance. they ⁤typically aim for understeer to protect rear tyres, but
⁤ ‌ Barcelona’s conditions stress ​the front-left tyre’s outer shoulder. Pirelli chief engineer simone Berra
⁤ ‍ explained that teams are trying ​to protect the rear axle, but then they​ over push the front and they can lose
‍ ⁢ performance⁢ from both​ the⁢ axles basically.”

“Teams are trying ‌to protect the rear axle, but then ⁢they over push the front and they can lose performance
⁤ ⁣ ⁣ from​ both‍ the axles basically,” said ‌Pirelli chief engineer Simone​ berra after⁤ Friday practice.

Berra added​ that ⁢the C1 showed very low grip, so it’s sliding. Also the balance‌ is not good, it’s
⁤ ⁢ disconnected, front and rear axle very disconnected, so you have mid-corner ‍understeer, especially in ‌low-speed
​⁣ corners, ‌then you have rear axle sliding​ in high-speed⁣ corners with low support.”

The C2 and C3 compounds ​exhibit similar degradation ⁢levels,​ offering different management options. The C3
‌ ​ provides higher​ grip but slightly​ increased ​degradation,while the C2 offers more consistency with lower grip.
‍ ‌ Berra believes both compounds will perform well during the race.

What’s next

Teams⁢ will analyze data from⁤ practice⁣ sessions to refine⁢ their ‌strategies ‍for the Spanish Grand prix,focusing
on balancing tyre wear‌ and performance ‍to maximize their⁣ chances of success.