Pirelli in the unknown at Hockenheim

Pirelli will closely monitor the behavior of its tires at the German Grand Prix held this July 31 at Hockenheim. There F1 has not been to this circuit for two years, but the track has not changed.

The Italian manufacturer has opted for a classic choice by choosing medium, soft and super soft tires, even if the behavior of these compounds remains uncertain. Whitewall and redwall tires should have a limited operating range and softs may be preferred. However, the Team Ferrari has opted for an aggressive strategy by favoring super softs.

“Hockenheim will be something of a leap into the unknown because F1 has not taken place there for two years and this event was even previously alternating with the Nürburgring, recalls Paul Hembery, Pirelli sporting director. The single-seaters are much more efficient today than they were in 2014 and that is why we chose a harder combination than last time. What we can, however, remember about this edition are the variable conditions, since on the day of the Grand Prix, the track was 20°C cooler than the day before during qualifying. With the meeting taking place this year on the same weekend, we can expect to experience similar weather. »

Nico Rosberg won the last edition of the German Grand Prix by relying on a two-stop strategy. After starting on super soft tires, he made two stops on the 15th and 41st lap to switch to soft tires. The difference in performance between the two types of rubber was one second per lap. Pirelli estimates that strategies will consider two or three stops.

Scuderia Ferrari will carry out tire tests in 2017 dimensions on Monday August 1 at the Fiorano circuit (Italy).