The teams will test the new C4 composition in Mexico City on Friday

During the Grand Prix of Mexico City, Pirelli will take the softest three compounds: C3, C4 and C5. The choice is different from last year and Pirelli race director Mario Isola explained why.

In addition, the teams will test the new C4 composition for the 2024 season during training on Friday. Each rider has two sets of these tires.

Mario Isola: “Formula 1 makes its second stop on the American tour in Mexico City at the circuit of Pedro and Ricardo Rodriguez. The brothers were local motorsport heroes in the 1960s and 1970s.

The track is located in the western part of the city at an altitude of more than two thousand meters, its length is only four kilometers, with 17 turns. The high altitude above sea level has a noticeable effect on cars: air resistance and downforce are reduced. As a result, the car’s aerodynamic settings are the same as on high-downforce circuits, but with much less impact on the tires.

The grip on asphalt is also well below average, as the abrasiveness of the surface is one of the lowest of the season.

This year we decided to bring the three softest connections to Mexico City: C3, C4 and C5. The decision was made based on a thorough analysis of the information carried out last year and the simulation results provided to us by the teams. As a result, there should be more race strategy options, including a two-pit stop option. Last year we had trains C2, C3 and C4, and almost all of them ran the race with one stop, mainly with Soft and Medium.

In Mexico City, all teams can evaluate the new C4 lineup. During the Friday training, each driver will have access to two trains, which he can use at his own discretion. We will analyze all the information collected and decide whether to homologate this version for the 2024 season or not.”