F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Pirelli primer: which tyres for the Italian GP?

Like Ferrari, Pirelli will also be racing at home this weekend at Monza's Temple of Speed, a track that places varying demands on the rubber that meets the road.

Pirelli selection for the Italian Grand Prix includes the hard C2, medium C3 and soft C4 compounds, a choice broadly similar to last year, although the current red-rimmed C4 tyre is softer than the 2018 supersoft.

Teams run the lowest downforce possible at Monza, to maximise top speed on the long straights, which means that the tyres have to provide maximum mechanical grip through the corners.

"Monza is still a huge challenge for drivers, cars and tyres: a bit like Spa, who took place last weekend," says Pirelli F1 boss Mario isola.

"Unlike last year though, we don't have the same tyre nomination for both races. While Spa featured harder tyres compared to 2018, at Monza the softest choice is slightly softer than last year.

"With the fastest-ever lap in Formula 1 history set in qualifying at Monza last year, and a tendency for the cars to be even faster this year, we might see more history being made this weekend.

"While Monza is traditionally renowned as a place where it's hard to overtake, last year's race also showed how tyre strategy can make an important difference.

"For the last two years it has rained at some point during the Monza weekend as well, adding another variable to what is always a very closely-fought race with small margins."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

FIA confirms Red Bull-Ford’s lead in second ADUO evaluation

Red Bull-Ford has retained its position as Formula 1’s power unit benchmark after the FIA…

2 hours ago

Audi F1 junior Slater hails ‘incredible’ Madring after F3 test

Spain’s new Madring has yet to host its first Formula 1 race, but FIA F3…

3 hours ago

Webber reveals how F1 greats shaped his guidance of Piastri

Mark Webber’s role in Oscar Piastri’s career is not simply about managing the McLaren driver’s…

4 hours ago

Hot off the press, cool in the cockpit

Had Niki Lauda been given the good fortune to read the next day's newspaper on…

6 hours ago

Ferrari set for emotional Michael Schumacher tribute at Monza

Few places in Formula 1 carry as much emotional weight for Ferrari as Monza, and…

7 hours ago

Red Bull hit with Dutch GP reality check: ‘We’ve taken a step back’

Red Bull has been forced to confront an uncomfortable reality after the Dutch Grand Prix,…

8 hours ago