The FIA, Formula 1's governing body imposed a mandatory limit on how long tyres could be used for at today's Qatar Grand Prix after Pirelli warned of the risk of sudden blowouts.
The FIA said a limit of 18 laps of total tyre life per set will be imposed for the 57 lap race, effectively making it a three-stopper. The life of already used tyres will be taken into consideration.
"Any car deemed to have exceeded the tyre life lap limit will be reported to the stewards as being run in an unsafe condition," the governing body added in a statement.
The FIA had warned on Saturday, before a 19-lap sprint race, that Sunday's grand prix could become a mandatory three-stop race to limit tyre usage. It has also made revisions to the track limits at turns 12 and 13.
Pirelli's analysis of returned tyres used in Friday's sole practice session found a small separation in the sidewall between the topping compound and the carcass cords on many of those used for around 20 laps.
The FIA said the issue had likely been caused by the sidewall coming into contact with the 50mm "pyramid" kerbs used at the circuit, with drivers riding the kerbs to get the quickest lap time.
Saturday's sprint saw three safety car periods at reduced speeds and the FIA said data from that race was insufficient to add to what was already known.
"In some cases, tyres that were analysed from the Sprint did show the initial onset of the separation in the sidewall between the topping compound and the carcass cords of the tyres," it added.
Max Verstappen, who clinched his third championship in the sprint, will be starting from pole position. His Red Bull team have already won the constructors' title.
FIA STATEMENT
TREATMENT OF TYRES FOR THE 2023 FIA FORMULA 1 QATAR GRAND PRIX
Due to the frequency of Safety Car interventions in yesterday’s Sprint, the tyre data available for analysis by Pirelli was insufficient to add to that already undertaken following previous track sessions.
In some cases, tyres that were analysed from the Sprint did show the initial onset of the separation in the sidewall between the topping compound and the carcass cords of the tyres.
As was the case in Free Practice 1, this issue has likely been caused by the high-frequency interference between the tyre sidewall and the 50mm ‘pyramid’ kerbs used extensively at this circuit, aggravated by the propensity to ride those kerbs.
As a consequence, it has been decided by the FIA and Pirelli and after consultation with the teams on safety grounds, the following measures will be implemented for today’s Qatar Grand Prix:
- A mandatory limit of 18 laps of total tyre life per set will be imposed.
- The life of already used tyres will be taken into consideration.
- The FIA and Pirelli will communicate to the teams the remaining available laps for each set of used tyres at their disposal for the race and the criteria used to calculate that number.
- There is no direct mandate for at least three tyre-change pitstops during the race, however this will be a consequence of the above guidelines should the race run its entire race distance.
- Any car deemed to have exceeded the tyre life lap limit will be reported to the Stewards as being run in an unsafe condition.
- This information will be formally communicated to the teams in the Race Directors’ notes and further updates issued as required.
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