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Formula 1's tire supplier, Pirelli, has unveiled details regarding the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit, focusing on tire selection.
Due to the impossibility of holding the race on its original April date, and later in the season, because of the conflict in Iran, Bahrain reached an agreement with the FIA, Formula 1, and Malaysia for Sepang to host the event. While not a "last-minute" decision, this change presents a significant challenge for all involved, as the championship hasn't visited Kuala Lumpur since 2017. This is particularly true for Pirelli.
The Italian manufacturer consistently faces complex decisions when selecting the most suitable compounds for each track, aiming to ensure both strategic variety and tire durability.
"If I remember correctly, the last race in Malaysia was in 2017," commented Pirelli's Motorsport Director, Dario Marafuski, shortly before the news was officially announced. "Since 2011 [when Pirelli replaced Bridgestone as the sole supplier in Formula 1], we've been there every year, so we have a good history. 2017 was the first year with wider tires compared to previous seasons. In terms of the balance between tire size and the car package, the situation was relatively close to today's. So, I would base our decisions on the results from 2017 and make a choice consistent with what we did then, rather than in '16, '15, or '14," he added.
In 2017, Pirelli opted for its medium, soft, and supersoft tires, which are equivalent to the C2, C3, and C4 in the current C1 to C5 range. Marafuski clarified that Pirelli would not have time to send personnel to Malaysia for additional analysis, as they need to prepare the compounds as soon as possible. The shortened timeframe also means the tires will have to be transported by air, not by sea.
When asked about the calendar's variability, the Italian added: "It creates a lot of headaches. We consider all scenarios, but we are always flexible. To meet all needs, we might decide to have several productions and then potentially use the spare production for the next race. So, we always build flexible scenarios. That's the key in this crazy environment."
Marafuski explained that Pirelli requires seven weeks' notice for a European race, amidst rumors of a potential season finale at Imola if the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds are canceled. This could create additional challenges due to the climate in Emilia-Romagna, where December temperatures typically range between 0 and 8 degrees Celsius, as even Southern Europe can be colder than Las Vegas.
"Well, I think we can base our answer on the Barcelona tests," Marafuski said. "It will be similar to the Barcelona tests. So, this is something we have already seen. Of course, it's not ideal, but in any case, it's safe, not frightening. We are not worried about it."
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