What the Qatar F1 observe modifications appear to be

Seven of the Qatar Formulation 1 circuit’s 16 corners now function new kerb profiles after modifications forward of the 2023 race resulted in injury which compelled the FIA to impose most stint lengths through the race.

The kerbs rose to sharp 50mm factors on their internal edges, with a steep drop-off, the intention being to dissuade drivers from taking liberties with observe limits. However the high-speed nature of this circuit, mixed with the size of time the vehicles spend on the kerbs, meant the sharply angled profiles had the unintended consequence of inflicting microscopic separations within the tyres’ sidewalls.

As Motorsport.com can reveal right here, every kerb has in impact been ‘shaved’ to present a flatter prime floor and a much less abrupt drop-off on the surface edge. Tyres ought to due to this fact be working beneath much less duress as they experience the kerbs in regular situations – and have a much less forceful affect with the bottom if the motive force strays over the sting.

Kerbs element

Picture by: Uncredited

Kerbs element

Picture by: Uncredited

F1’s official tyre provider, Pirelli, replicated the brand new kerb profiles on the dynamic check beds at its Milan R&D base and is assured the answer is strong. The corporate already brings the toughest three compounds in its vary – C1, C2 and C3 – to Qatar however the failures final 12 months, which prompted the FIA to impose a most stint size of 18 laps, have been claimed to not be an element of compound sort.

For the reason that authentic so-called ‘Misano’ kerbs have been put in as a deterrent towards exceeding observe limits, the FIA has needed to discover an alternate answer. As such the circuit homeowners have put in slender gravel strips on the outer boundaries of the reprofiled kerbs.