After analysing data collected by the teams during the Friday practice sessions, Pirelli have decided to lower the tyre pressures ahead of the free practice three and qualifying sessions for the Italian Grand Prix.
The levels had originally been set at 23.5 psi at the front and 21.5 psi at the rear, similar to those used in Spa, and also in line with the raise in tyre pressure levels this season, which have caused a number of teams big problems in being able to get the tyre working within the optimal performance window in 2016.
The Haas F1 and McLaren-Honda F1 team drivers in particular have described the feeling of driving the cars with the higher tyre pressures being reminiscent of skating on an ice rink..
Pirelli’s F1 Racing Manager Mario Isola, explained the Italian manufacturer’s reasoning for raining the pressures in 2016.
“It is mainly because of simulation that we found 100kg more [force] on each front tyre, and the estimated top speed is 10km/h quicker than last year.
“On the rear tyre we have estimated force of 80kg more than last year – that is the reason why we have this increase.
“Also last year we had 3-degree camber at the front, this year we have 3.25 to give a bit more freedom to the teams with the wear profile to avoid an excessive wear on the outside shoulder.”
The data compiled on Friday has led Pirelli to bring down he pressures for the first time this season, but they could make a change to the levels at any point across the weekend if they feel it necessary. Teams will now be able to run 23 psi at the front and 20.5 psi at the rear.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, Williams Martini Racing Technical Director Pat Symonds confirmed that he believes the drop in pressures will help them across the remainder of the weekend.
