Pirelli fearful "aggressive" Abu Dhabi kerbs could spark Qatar repeat

Sergio Perez, Red Bull, Abu Dhabi — Photo: © LAT Images

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Pirelli fearful "aggressive" Abu Dhabi kerbs could spark Qatar repeat

The Qatar kerbs caused a number of Pirelli tyre failures

Sam Hall

Friday 10 December 2021 19:45

Pirelli F1 boss Mario Isola has revealed the Italian tyre supplier is "in discussion" with the FIA over potential overnight changes to the Abu Dhabi kerbs over fears of a Qatar Grand Prix repeat.

Numerous drivers suffered from punctures at the Losail International Circuit believed to be caused by the aggressive kerbs at the Qatari venue.

Near-identical kerbs have been installed at several points around the reprofiled Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi with Pirelli fearful of further failures.

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"They are very similar [to Qatar], they are not exactly the same," explained Isola. . "Especially they are quite aggressive at the exit of turn five and turn nine and I am currently in discussion with the FIA to see if there is any potential solution to that.

"Clearly, we have a different situation compared to Qatar. It is a different speed, a different [amount of] time that they are over the kerb but it is still the case that it is something we have to consider and pay attention to.

"As usual after free practice, we collected the tyres used in the session. We are analysing the tyres but the problem is that we don't have tyres with the number of laps or the stint that is comparable to the race."

Confirming Pirelli saw "heavy abrasion" on tyres used in the two Friday sessions, Isola dismissed the markings so far as "part of the track evolution".

Listing the areas of concern around the circuit, Isola said: "At turns nine and five, they are the most aggressive.

"From turns one to four they are the same as last year, and then there are different kerbs at turns 12, 13, 14, 15.

"The exit of turn 16 is the same as the last year. So we have differences compared to this year, and they are more aggressive."

Although no issues have been flagged as of yet, Isola conceded: "I'm sure that in qualifying they will use the kerbs and maybe also during the race if in the race if they push. So there is this element that we have to consider."