The recent Grand Prix at Suzuka did not deliver the spectacle that Formula 1 fans crave. Following a lackluster race in Shanghai, the Japanese event also failed to thrill; the top six remained unchanged from the starting lineup for the fourth time in history. Tire supplier Pirelli may soon offer a solution – a new, extra soft compound is on the horizon.
In the lead-up to the new Formula 1 season, Pirelli announced that a softer tire would be added to its range. The so-called C6 compound is the softest in the Italians’ entire tire spectrum. The introduction of this new tire is a response to the decreasing number of pit stops in Formula 1 and an attempt to inject more excitement into the premier class. For instance, the relatively low tire wear in Japan meant that many drivers barely changed their position.
The softest F1 tire ever
During the Emilia-Romagna GP – from May 16 to 18 – the C6 tire will be available to the teams for the first time. With the C4, C5, and C6 as the respective hard, medium, and soft rubbers, the offering during this first European race will be softer than ever. For comparison: during the upcoming race weekend in Bahrain, the teams can choose between the C1, C2, and C3 compounds. According to Pirelli director Mario Isola, the C6 can also be deployed during the race weekend in Monaco. The combination of a softer compound and a mandatory two-stop strategy should make the race in the principality more exciting than in previous years.
“We want to bring the C6 to four or five races, not just to Monaco,” Pirelli stated earlier this year. “We want to use the soft compound already in Imola and later also in Montreal. After that, we’ll see how it goes. Both are prestigious circuits. If it works out well, we’ll probably also see the C6 in Singapore and Las Vegas. Along with Monaco, that would be a total of five races.”
