Pirelli predict higher degradation at Spanish GP

Pirelli have forecast higher degradation compared to what the teams experienced during pre-season testing when F1 returns to Barcelona for the Spanish Grand Prix.

Lapping in cool conditions during pre-season testing, one thing that was noticeable was the very low level of degradation.

Despite that the Italian tyre manufacturer has opted to bring the three hardest compounds to this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.

Pirelli, though, believe the drivers will have to deal with more degradation at this visit to the Spanish circuit given the warmer weather.

“This is the last race where allocations are fixed for every team: as of Monaco, drivers are making their own choices about the quantities of each compound they would like to nominate,” Pirelli head of motor racing, Mario Isola, said.

“While Barcelona is a well-known venue, aerodynamic evolution of the cars, enhanced by the latest upgrade packages brought to Spain, mean that performance is increased but degradation levels could also be higher compared to testing.

“We can additionally expect weather conditions considerably warmer than February.”