Pirelli: Soft connections allow a variety of tactics

Pirelli’s press service started its publication dedicated to the upcoming Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix with the following statistics: Italy has already organized 105 Formula 1 races – more than any other country, and 30 of them took place in Imola.

This weekend, the Enzo and Dino Ferrari circuit will host the 31st stage of the world championship, and the Italian tire manufacturers have prepared tires for it with the three softest compounds: C3 will be hard, C4 will be medium, C5 will be soft.

It was this trio of compounds that was planned for last year’s race in Imola, which was not destined to take place, so now the tires of these compounds will be used here for the first time. In 2022, the last time the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix took place, the choice was different: C2, C3 and C4.

The classic ring of the Italian circuit has its own characteristics; it is considered very technical, has complex combinations of turns and requires refined driving technique. Enzo Ferrari was personally involved in this project in the 1950s and called the Imola circuit ‘a small Nürburgring’.

The load on the tires on this circuit is not particularly high, although the asphalt is quite abrasive. The surface was last updated in 2011 and offers good grip. The track is quite narrow and there is only one DRS zone, so overtaking is difficult – therefore the importance of qualifying increases.

In 19 out of thirty cases, victory went to the driver who started from the front row, and never before have those whose starting position was worse than fifth won at Imola.

Pirelli hopes the choice of the three softest compounds can encourage a variety of tactical formations, although this race would normally require no more than one pit stop – if held in dry conditions. Moreover, the loss of time in the pit lane on this circuit is quite significant. Moreover, according to statistics, in 70% of cases the appearance of a safety car disrupted the fight on the track.

In recent years certain changes have been made to the circuit, in particular on the outside of the Acque Minerali corner a gravel safety zone has reappeared.

Of the drivers competing in Formula 1 in 2024, only Fernando Alonso took part in the world championship when it was called the San Marino Grand Prix. In 2005 he achieved a brilliant victory here, gaining the upper hand in an exciting duel with Michael Schumacher. It was the Spaniard’s third victory in a season that ended with his first title.

But Schumacher has the most victories at Imola: seven. He won the race for the first time driving for Benetton and finished top of the podium six more times with Ferrari.