Pirelli primer: which tyres for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

Formula 1 has started its final act of the 2019 season, an epilogue now traditionally associated with Abu Dhabi and its popular Yas Marina venue.

The venue’s end-of-season appeal and magical atmosphere ensure things are smooth around Yas Marina, including the track’s surface which isn’t particularly demanding on tyres, which is why Pirelli has brought its softest combination of tyres, meaning its C3, C4 and C5 compounds.

The range – nominated for the fourth time this season – offers the best compromise between performance and grip around the 5.5km track and its well-balanced mix of corners.

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Historically, Abu Dhabi is a one-stopper, with low wear and degradation, and this should be the case again on Sunday.

“Abu Dhabi marks the end of another very long season, but the work still continues for us after the grand prix, with a series of tests for both Formula 1 and Formula 2, using 13-inch tyres as well as 18-inch tyres,” said mario Isola, Pirelli’s head of car racing.

éIn total, we’ll be bringing around 4500 tyres to Abu Dhabi, for racing and testing: more than double the usual quantity.

“The two-day official F1 test after the race will be particularly important, as it gives a chance for the teams to compare 2019 to 2020 tyres in representative conditions and with specifically adapted cars for the first time. Before then, we have one final grand prix to complete.

“There’s a strong chance that we could see more lap records broken again over the weekend, with the teams now having maximised their knowledge of the 2019 tyres.”

©Pirelli