Pirelli explain Mexican Grand Prix tyre test

Pirelli will introduce a prototype C4 tyre for teams to trial during Friday practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

The Italian manufacturer is in the process of homologating its compounds for next season, where F1 will tackle 24 races between March and November.

With a lack of testing time through the season, teams carry out extra data gathering during race weekends at this time of the campaign and, like last year, a new compound has been taken to Mexico for trialling.

Two sets will be given per car to be run at any time across FP1 and FP2, with the feedback from drivers and teams vital for Pirelli in its decision-making process.

"Mexico gives us the chance to try out a new variant of the C4 with all the teams," said Head of Motorsport Mario Isola.

"During the two hours of free practice on Friday, each driver will have two sets of these new prototypes to use as they wish. Once we have analysed all the data, we will then decide whether or not to homologate this version for use in 2024."

Softer tyres for strategy chances

Pirelli has selected the three softest compounds available in its range for the weekend at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez having thoroughly analysed last year's event.

"The track, located on the west side of the city, is just over four kilometres long with 17 corners and sits at more than 2000 metres of altitude.

"This has an important effect on car performance, with the rarefied air reducing drag and also downforce. As a result, the aero settings on the cars are similar to those used on high-downforce circuits – only with a much-reduced effect on the tyres.

"The grip from the asphalt is also much less than average, as surface roughness is among the lowest of the entire calendar.

"This year we have decided to bring the three softest compounds to Mexico – C3, C4 and C5 – after careful reflection based on last year’s information, as well as the simulations that the teams have as always supplied to us.

"This should lead to a wider variety of strategy choices throughout the race, opening the door to a two-stop strategy as well. Last year, when the chosen compounds were C2, C3, and C4, nearly all the drivers stopped only once, mainly using Soft and Medium."