Oscar Piastri (AUS) McLaren MCL38. April 5, 2024. Formula 1 World Championship, Stage 4, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Practice Day.
Pirelli plans to discuss with the FIA and Formula 1 teams about the regulation that led to a limited amount of practice during the second practice session at the Japanese Grand Prix.
The forecast of rain before FP2 resulted in limited practice during the hour, until the track dried enough to allow the use of slick tires in the final stages.
Initially, it was believed that teams were hesitant to send their drivers out on the track due to the conditions, but it was revealed that a specific rule regarding tire compounds played a significant role.
Lewis Hamilton expressed disappointment that the session was not utilized and suggested a change in the regulation that had a significant impact on the number of laps completed.
“They changed the tire rule, which means no one goes out and uses the intermediates, which doesn’t make much sense,” commented the British driver. “But that’s how it is.”
The regulation Hamilton referred to was an adjustment in the rulebook for this season, which required an increase in the number of wet weather compounds available for each stage.
In 2024, Pirelli provides an additional set of intermediate and wet weather compounds for each driver per weekend, resulting in an increased allocation of five intermediates and three wet weather tires.
However, to control costs at a time when the sport is seeking to reduce expenses, the rule that previously granted teams a free set of wet weather tires was eliminated.
Additionally, this means that drivers who go out when one of the first two practice sessions is declared wet do not receive an extra set of intermediate tires.
With no incentive to practice and the desire to preserve their tires in case it rains later in the weekend, several teams chose not to put themselves at a disadvantage.
Pirelli’s Chief Engineer, Simone Berra, revealed that the Italian manufacturer was not involved in adjusting the rules for 2024 and intends to discuss with relevant parties. According to Berra, the decision to modify the rules was made collectively by all teams, along with the FIA and Formula 1. He further explained that teams are no longer required to return a set of intermediates after using them in free practice, unlike the previous year. Due to the forecast of rain on Sunday and the high level of degradation on the current circuit, most teams chose to keep five unused sets, except for RB and a few others who completed an in and out lap. Berra emphasized the need for further discussions with the FIA and teams to find a solution and ensure that the sets are used in practice. Although the final decision is not in Pirelli’s hands, this will be a topic of discussion in the coming weeks.
Berra believes that requiring the return of a set of intermediates when a session is declared wet would motivate teams to practice in similar conditions. He added that teams can keep the five sets initially, but if a session is officially declared wet, they must return a set of intermediates. This approach would discourage teams from refraining from using the set and opting for a new one. Berra hopes that this requirement will encourage teams to actively participate in wet sessions.
George Russell expressed his desire for “common sense” to prevail and for the FIA to allow teams to bring a set of slick tires for the final practice session. He believes this would promote more training and improve the experience for fans. Russell expressed his disappointment with the limited number of laps completed during the current event and highlighted the inconvenience caused by the lack of training. He hopes that a solution can be found for these weather conditions, as this is not the first time such circumstances have arisen and will likely occur again in the future.
© 2024
The world of sports is always full of emotions and surprises. And this week, it was no different. There were several exciting matches and unexpected results that kept fans glued to their screens. Let’s take a look at the hottest highlights of this week.
In football, there was an epic showdown between two rival teams. The game was intense from the start, with both teams showing exceptional performance. In the end, the home team managed to score a goal in the last minute, securing the victory. Fans were ecstatic with the thrilling turnaround.
In basketball, one player stood out above all others. He scored an impressive amount of points and led his team to victory. His skill and determination were applauded by everyone present in the stadium. He certainly made his mark in this game.
In tennis, a young talent showed his potential by facing one of the best players in the world. Despite being an underdog, he did not back down and played with confidence. Surprisingly, he defeated his opponent in an exciting five-set match. It was a memorable victory for this young athlete.
Furthermore, in motorsport, an exciting race took place this weekend. The drivers showcased their skills on the curves and straights, providing an incredible spectacle for the spectators. In the end, a skilled driver clinched the victory, leaving his competitors behind.
These are just some of the highlights from the world of sports this week. Don’t miss the upcoming games and events, as there is always something exciting happening. Stay tuned for more news and updates about the world of sports.
