Sprint race pushed back 20 minutes to allow for a short testing session with new track limits. If the sprint data isn’t favorable, they will mandate a 3 stop during the race with 20 laps max per tire
This issue has likely been caused by the high-frequency interference between the tyre sidewall and the 50mm ‘pyramid’ kerbs used extensively at this circuit, aggravated by the propensity to ride those kerbs.
Doesn’t seem hard to adjust. They already write in #1 to revise the track limits so drivers don’t hit those kerbs as much. On the other hand, they could also do nothing and drivers on their own don’t risk tyre damage on those kerbs with ‘subsequent air loss’ which would cost them the race. But that might be bad publicity for Pirelli at the end.
By the way, during the search of an image of those kerbs, I found the same story from 2021 with the same kerbs and problems:
Yeah, I understand pirelli’s desire to have the ties make it to the end of the race. But also: don’t hit the kerbs that your car can’t handle, as it always is.
So the kerbs have been there (and I believe on the outside of other corners too). I wonder if they’ll make moves to modify them after this year. Qatar is here to stay; contact is like 9 more years or something
Pirelli brought the wrong tyres.