Motorsport fans already know: next Sunday, June 9, the legendary 2024 Canadian Grand Prix will take place on the equally legendary Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. It's sure to be a weekend of thrills and spills as the drivers compete over 70 laps. For the occasion, Pirelli has made available its three softest compound tires: C3 in P Zero White (hard), C4 in P Zero Yellow (medium) and C5 in P Zero Red (soft).
Does this mean nothing to you? Don't panic, choosing the right tires for a motor race is an art, even a science, that I myself am far from having mastered. To help you understand a bit, however, I've decided to give you a little introduction on the matter. After all, there are many more variables than one might think... With this information, you'll be able to impress everyone this coming Sunday!
How Are Tires Chosen in Formula 1?
The selection of the three softest rubber compounds has already been offered several times during the season, most recently at the Monaco Grand Prix. But what justifies this choice of rubber rather than any other? According to Pirelli, it's a combination of factors, but above all it's justified by the very nature of the circuit, which offers few turns, but lots of straight lines that are ideal for high-speed overtaking. This makes braking stability and grip when changing direction more important than ever.
Mention should also be made of the region's highly variable weather conditions, which can sometimes make softer tires desirable, for example when it's cold. Another aspect to consider is the semi-permanent nature of the circuit. Since it is not frequently used for racing, it has not accumulated the layer of rubber often found on permanent-use tracks. As a result, grip will increase over the course of the weekend, which no doubt explains why the softest rubber is likely to be seen only during qualifying.
Tire Mounting Concept in Formula 1
The tire mounting process in Formula 1 is a crucial operation that requires great precision and a well-trained team. During a pit stop, the mechanics must change all four tires in record time, usually in less than three seconds.
To facilitate the rapid mounting of the tires, the rims used in Formula 1 are specially designed. They are lightweight and durable, which helps reduce the time needed to remove the worn tires and install the new ones.
The tires are preheated before being mounted on the rims. This allows for optimal grip from the start of the race. The mechanics use compressed air guns to remove the wheel nuts and secure the new wheels in place.
To learn more, watch this video explaining how it works.
F1 performance at home
Few of us will ever have the chance to drive a Formula 1 car, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy Pirelli quality! The highway may be very different from Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, but the same principles of performance and safety are at work on our everyday roads. Whether you're looking for ultimate performance or optimum comfort, Pirelli offers a range of tires to meet all your needs.
- P Zero All Season Plus 3: Optimum grip, handling and wear on wet and dry surfaces.
- P7 All Season Plus 3: Quiet and refined driving, reliable grip and traction in all conditions.
- P Zero PZ4: Exceptional performance in terms of speed, handling and braking.
- P ZERO: Exceptional ride comfort and grip, as well as superior braking at high speeds.
Whatever your driving style or needs, Pirelli has the ideal tire to help you enjoy every mile with confidence and pleasure.
