Pirelli confirms ATA trial in Hungarian GP qualifying

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Pirelli has confirmed that Formula 1 will trial its 'Alternative Tyre Allocation' in qualifying during next weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.

The ATA format, which is part of the sport's sustainability efforts, will see teams use just one mandatory slick compound for each qualifying segment.

Furthermore, Pirelli has gone one step softer in its tyre selection compared to last year in Budapest.

Under the ATA rules, the number of tyre sets available for each car is reduced to 11, instead of the 13 available for a normal race weekend.

Each driver will have three sets of hard tyres, four sets of medium tyres and four sets of soft tyres.

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The number of wet tyres remains the same: three sets of full wets and four sets of intermediates, with an extra set of intermediates authorised if it rains on Friday or adverse weather is predicted for Saturday.

"This year we have opted for a trio of softer compounds (C3, C4 and C5) compared to 2022, while a new tyre allocation for qualifying [known as ATA, or ‘Alternative Tyre Allocation’] will be tried out for the first time, with the obligation to use just the hard in Q1, medium in Q2 and soft in Q3 if conditions stay dry," explained Pirelli motorsport boss Mario Isola.

"Both these changes, at least on paper, should lead to a wider range of options, particularly in terms of strategy.

"The ATA also saves two sets of dry tyres compared to the traditional format (using 11 sets instead of 13) and it will be run again at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.

"After that, the FIA, F1 and the teams will decide whether or not to adopt it for next season."

For race day, the most common strategy at the Hungaroring is a two-stopper, with a one-stopper occasionally preferred.

"Despite being a permanent track, the Hungaroring is not used very often and the asphalt conditions improve considerably during the weekend as the ideal racing line rubbers in," added Isola.

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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.