Tyre role will be crucial

TYRE maintenance will seemingly be of “crucial” importance at today’s Gulf Air Bahrain Formula One (F1) Grand Prix.

Many drivers have spoken of the importance of take care of their four wheels here around the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), where the tyre degradation can markedly affect a car’s performance in hot weather. It’s generally believed as well that whichever racer has the best preservation strategy over the BIC’s 15 corners, 17 sectors and 57 laps overall will ultimately emerge victorious in this fourth outing of the 2012 season.

“Tyre management will be crucial, with rear traction in particular the key to a strong race pace,” said tyre manufacturer Pirelli’s motorsport director Paul Hembery. “Tyre degradation is certainly going to be an important factor in the race, but managing the tyres correctly presents another important opportunity for this extremely talented grid of drivers to demonstrate their skills.

“We can expect three stops for most of the leading runners, although some may try two depending on which compound they favour, with degradation more or less where we expect it to be, given track temperatures in excess of 45 degrees centigrade.”

HRT back marker Pedro de la Rosa added: “The Bahrain International Circuit is very tough on the rear tyres because there are many first, second and third gear turns where you need plenty of traction and grip.”

alex@khaleejtimes.com