Pirelli tyre compounds are set to be adjusted in the GP3 series after it was decided the existing compounds were too aggressive to make “combative racing.”
The first round of the GP3 series in Barcelona was the first for the new generation racer and following the event, series organisers sat down with Pirelli and discussed adjusting the tyres to allow for closer action but still having an element of tyre management throughout the race.
Tyre selections for the upcoming races, including the next meeting in Valencia, will now be shifted to harder compounds i.e. using Super Hards instead of Hards.
“We are very pleased with how Pirelli work and react to any given situation. The GP3/13 is a new car – one that’s proven to be reliable and competitive. GP3 races have always showcased drivers giving maximum attack whilst starting to learn how to manage the tyre degradation. After Barcelona, we analysed that we had to fine-tune our compound selection to a harder range in order to keep that balance intact. Pirelli have been quick to adapt to the situation in terms of production too.” Said GP3 series CEO Bruno Michel.
Pirelli’s Racing Manager Mario Isola commented: “Following the first two races we analysed the data and together with the Series organizers we have decided to revise some of the initial choices, which turned out to be slightly too performance-orientated, considering some of the greatly increased forces that the brand new GP3 car is putting on the tyres.”
The new revised tyres will be next seen in action at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia on June 15/16.
