FIA announces sweeping changes to Qatar Grand Prix weekend after safety concerns
FIA announces sweeping changes to Qatar Grand Prix weekend after safety concerns
The FIA has imposed limits on the lifespan of tyres at the Qatar Grand Prix in the name of safety.
In analysis by tyre provider Pirelli on Friday, a ‘separation in the sidewall’ of tyres was noticed, and concerns were raised over the potential for dangerous tyre damage should they be run for too long in the race.
Pirelli has now imposed a 20-lap limit for new tyres during the race, and 22 for used tyres.
This may mean that teams must rethink their race strategy, with the race becoming more likely to involve three pit stops than the expected two.
An FIA statement explained the issues with the perceived ‘separation in the sidewall’, saying: "It is the view of the FIA and Pirelli that a significant number of additional laps on these tyres could result in circumferential damage of the tyres.
"This issue has likely been caused by the high-frequency interference between the tyre sidewall and the 50mm 'pyramid' kerbs used extensively at this circuit, aggravated by the propensity to ride those kerbs.”
Additional practice session
In addition, the team have been given a 10-minute period on Saturday afternoon to make the necessary adjustments.
At 2pm BST, teams will head out for the quick session to alter their set-up, meaning that the sprint race qualifying session will begin later at 2.20pm.
An FIA statement by the stewards said: “In accordance with Article 11.9.3.o of the FIA International Sporting Code, having received a request from the Clerk of the Course and in the interests of safety, we hereby modify the Official Programme of the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix by adding a Track Familiarisation session of 10 minutes starting at 16:00 hrs.
“The start of the Sprint Shootout will be moved to 16:20 hrs accordingly. Notwithstanding Article 39.1 b) of the Formula One Sporting Regulations, the Sprint session will start at 20:30 hrs.”
{inlineimage[https://sportsbase.io/images/gpfans/copy_620x348/31538228b379de5522fc6a0fcc0a4706d9311da5.jpg][Max Verstappen must contend with new tyre rules as he attempts to seal his third championship win][2]}Sprint race tyre limit imposed
That is not all the teams must contend with, as the FIA has also decided to introduce a limit on intermediate tyres for the sprint race, saying the decision was ‘based on the weather forecast’.
Published at midday BST by FIA race director Niels Wittich, the FIA document cited article 30.5 part F of the sporting regulations in its decision.
It said: “Based on the weather forecast from the official weather service provider, no additional set of intermediate tyres will be made available to each driver before the start of the sprint.”
READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: Verstappen setup quirk which allows Red Bull to make car even fasters
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
Red Bull announce strong statement over Newey departure claims
- 24 minutes ago
Verstappen 'to meet Mercedes over SHOCK 2025 move as Red Bull exit clause revealed'
- 1 hour ago
F1 champion reveals £100 MILLION contract to keep racing
- 2 hours ago
F1 News Today: Newey 'property hunt' reveals Red Bull exit clues as Hamilton hints at Ferrari swoop
- 2 hours ago
Sky Sports F1 pundit calls for RADICAL change with impressive argument
- 3 hours ago
- 1
Newey TURNED DOWN F1 rivals before Red Bull decision
- Today 15:56
Related news
FIA boss HITS OUT at 'court of public opinion' after interference allegations
FIA announce crucial top three UPDATE in China after investigating F1 star
FIA CANCEL important drivers' meeting after huge drama in China
Ecclestone's wife signs letter of SUPPORT for under-fire FIA president
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860