Author: Barkha Roy
Changes to the tire regulations will be implemented in the Formula 1 qualifying session at the upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, scheduled to take place in Imola this weekend. These adjustments mainly involve a reduction in the total number of sets of tires allocated to each driver and the introduction of mandatory tire compounds for different segments of the qualifying session.
With the aim of reducing waste, a new measure will be implemented during the qualifying session of the upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola. Instead of the previous allocation of 13 slick tires per driver, 11 tires will now be provided. This adjustment marks the first instance of such a change in the ranking session since its introduction in 2006. Over the years, the current classification format has proved very successful.
Unlike previous practice, the next qualifying session on Saturday will no longer allow teams and drivers to freely choose their tires. Instead, specific sets of tires will be mandatory for each segment of the qualifying session. This change aims to introduce a standardized approach and remove the element of free choice in tire selection during the hour-long session.
For the next qualifying session in Imola, a variety of tire compounds will be made available to the teams. This includes four sets of soft compound tires, three sets of hard compound tires and four sets of medium compound tires. The use of these tires will be governed by specific regulations for each segment of the qualifying session. During Q1, the drivers will be forced to use the hard compound tires, followed by the medium compound tires in Q2. Finally, in Q3, the drivers will have to opt for soft compound tires. This tire selection sequence ensures a standardized approach and the proper use of tires for each phase of the qualifying session.
However, if a wet session is declared, drivers and teams will be free to choose the tires of their choice. In these circumstances, the usual regulations regarding mandatory tire compounds will not apply, allowing the teams to make their own decisions based on the weather and track conditions. This clause guarantees that if the conditions require wet tires, the teams can use their discretion to select the appropriate tires for the best performance.
The Formula 1 organizers have yet to announce the second location where this new concept will be tested, raising expectations about its future implementation. However, based on the weather forecast for the next F1 weekend, it is highly likely that the teams will use intermediate and wet tires. This expectation of adverse weather conditions sets the stage for the use of specialized tires, designed to perform optimally on wet or damp surfaces.