The Monaco Grand Prix will see the debut of the P Zero Purple Ultrasoft tyre compound this weekend, a tyre designed primarily for the slower circuits on the calendar of which Monaco is the slowest.
Pirelli are also bringing along the P Zero Red Supersoft and P Zero Yellow Soft to the sixth round of the 2016 Formula 1 Championship, the three softest compounds of Pirelli’s range. With the characteristics and conditions of the Circuit de Monaco, these will work well during the Grand Prix weekend.
Monte Carlo is a street circuit which needs a different set-up compared to other circuits on the calendar. Tyre warm-up is a key skill as the circuit has the lowest average speed of the year. The Purple Ultrasoft has been chosen by many teams on the grid and will be the default choice for qualifying.
“Monte Carlo will mark the first race for our new purple ultrasoft tyre,” said Paul Hembery, Pirelli Motorsport Director. “Which offers the maximum performance and technology that we can put into a compound.
“However, the large numbers of this compound nominated by the teams for the Monaco GP shows that it is a serious race tyre rather than just a ‘qualifying special’.
“With the unique conditions of Monaco, and its own specific timetable, the teams will be looking to get a thorough read on the characteristics of the new ultrasoft during free practice.
“Only then will we have an accurate idea of race strategy, although with the difficulty of overtaking, drivers will be looking to minimise their pit stops.”
