Pirelli: New asphalt track surface an unknown in Miami

Pirelli says it heads somewhat into the unknown in Miami regarding tyre wear following a complete resurfacing of the 5.4 km circuit.

Last year's inaugural event at the Miami International Autodrome saw parts of the limestone and granite-composed track surface show early signs of damage even before the action started.

While the circuit design, which winds around the Miami Dolphins Hard Rock Stadium, pretty much delivered on its objectives, it was nevertheless decided to resurface the track for F1's second visit to Florida's Magic City.

The new surface is an unknown factor and was scheduled to be analysed by Pirelli technicians during a track inspection carried out on Wednesday.

"In the first race held on the track around the Hard Rock Stadium last year, the tyres behaved as expected on asphalt which had rather particular characteristics, above all due to a very high 'micro-roughness'," explained Pirelli F1 boss Mario Isola. .

"We know that the track has now been completely resurfaced and we will have to check during the usual inspection that precedes the start of the weekend if there will be any significant changes in its characteristics."

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According to Pirelli, Miami's layout, with 19 predominantly slow corners and three straights, is moderately demanding on tyres.

The Italian tyre manufacturer has opted to bring a middle-of-the-range selection of compounds for this year's race.

"The Miami track requires average downforce levels, as it features a wide variety of corners but also a very long straight," added Isola.

"We have brought the middle tyres in the range (C2, C3, and C4), also due to the fact that we can expect very high temperatures: last year the asphalt reached almost 60°C."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.