Isola: We are going to test two important innovations in Imola

Pirelli tires have prepared three softer compounds for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix: Hard is used C3, Medium – C4, Soft – C5.

The leg in Imola will be the second leg of the season after Baku, where these lineups will be used, which could create conditions for the teams to use different tactical schemes. The road surface on this track is quite slippery, the abrasiveness of the asphalt surface in Pirelli is rated as average.

Mario IsolHead of Motorsport Programs at Pirelli: “In the first phase of the European phase of the season this year, two major tire innovations will be introduced, both based on sustainability.

The first concerns qualifying: in Imola we will try out a new provision of the regulations, which prescribes the use of slicks of different composition in all three sessions: in the first part of qualifying it will be difficult, in the second – Medium, in the third – Soft.

This means that each rider gets a smaller number of kits for the weekend – not 13, but 11. This reduces the environmental impact that arises during tire production and transport.

For the same reason, from the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix onwards, the teams will have heavy rain tires that do not need to be preheated in thermal covers. Tests on the tracks showed that even without such heating, this rubber works more efficiently than the previous version of such tires.

This is the first real step towards phasing out the use of thermal covers in the future, and it became possible after a series of studies carried out by Pirelli specialists.

As a final note, we have opted for softer compound tires (C3, C4 and C5) for Imola, allowing teams to choose from a wider range of tactical formations.”