Pirelli WRC exit not linked to F1 future
In the round-up: Formula 1’s official tyre supplier Pirelli says its decision not to continue supplying rubber to the World Rally Championship is not linked to its future in grand prix racing.
In brief
Pirelli WRC exit not linked to F1 future
The FIA is poised to decide which manufacturer has been selected as F1’s tyre supplier for the 2025 to 2027 seasons. Pirelli is understood to have submitted an application as well as former F1 tyre supplier Bridgestone.
Earlier this month Pirelli confirmed it would not seek to extend its deal to supply tyres to the World Rally Championship. But its head of motor sport Mario Isola said this decision is not linked to it’s future participation in F1.
“We have a team dedicated to WRC and we believe that in this period we got what we wanted in terms of being a part of the sport,” said Isola. “The team that is looking after WRC, or rallying in general, is not the same team that we have for Formula 1.”
Pirelli is in its 13th consecutive year as F1’s sole tyre supplier. Isola said it needs to spend longer in F1 than rallying to get the full value of its investment in the series.
“In rally you have a niche of spectators that are very passionate about that and in four years you can tell them what you want, basically. Formula 1 is a different audience and to put in the mind of the people that you are the supplier, that you are there, that you develop the top technology, takes a much longer time.”
No change at DS Penske
DS Penske have confirmed an unchanged driver line-up for next year’s Formula E season. It will retain its all-champion pairing of Jean-Eric Vergne and Stoffel Vandoorne.
Vergne scored the team’s only victory of last season at the Hyderabad track in India, as DS Penske took fourth in the constructors’ championship.
Softer tyres for Mexican Grand Prix
will bring a softer selection of rubber for this year’s Mexican Grand Prix. It has nominated the softest tyres in its range – the C5, C4 and C3 – which are one stage harder than those used last season. It will also give teams two extra sets of a new version of the C4 compound for testing during practice.
Pirelli also confirmed the same tyre selections for the United States and Brazilian grands prix as last year: the C4, C3 and C2 compounds will be used.
Losail gets upgrades and new surface
The Losail International Circuit has had several upgrades ahead of its second Formula 1 grand prix next week. The track has been resurfaced and new digital flag panels installed.
Around two-and-a-half kilometres of debris fencing have been installed, supplied by Geobrugg, whose designs are being used increasingly widely at other F1 tracks including Silverstone and Miami.
Fans will also benefit from the addition of a new grandstand at turn two and extra video screens positioned around the track.
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Links
Motor racing links of interest:
Doohan discussing WEC programme in 2024 (Speedcafe)
‘I will do anything that I have to, to get to Formula 1. But to be able to go to WEC, be with Alpine and sort of learn even more about potentially stuff that can be valuable coming back to Formula 1, then that would be awesome.’
Andretti likely to enter F1 as Rodin Cars explains entry process (Automotive Daily)
‘Rodin Cars goes on to say that the latest information suggests Andretti Cadillac will be joining F1, and in a further release of information, the requirements for the process have been revealed.’
Las Vegas hospitality workers overwhelmingly permit union to call strike against hotels, casinos (AP)
‘The union didn’t immediately set a deadline for a walkout as it continues bargaining for better pay, benefits and working conditions with the top casino employers on the Las Vegas Strip, including MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment and Wynn Resorts.’
Grand Prix Trust powers next generation of motorsport talents (Grand Prix Trust)
‘The Grand Prix Trust (GPT) has launched a £100,000 annual bursary scheme to help disadvantaged college students become part of the dynamic and hugely successful British motorsport industry.’
My job in F1: Lewis (Mercedes via YouTube)
Top secret access to Mission Control during F1 qualifying (McLaren via YouTube)
“excerpt”
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