The FIA ​​is making major track changes to avoid a repeat of the Qatar GP

The FIA ​​has made changes to the Qatar Grand Prix circuit in consultation with Pirelli to avoid the tire dramas of the 2023 race.

Due to the shape of the curbs in Lusail’s ultra-fast sections of the track, the structural integrity of the tires could not be maintained over normal stint lengths, with the FIA ​​mandating a maximum lifespan of 18 laps per set of tires – so if a driver had one at the start of the While one set of tires was used for four laps at the weekend, it could only be used for 14 laps in the race.

Pirelli found that the possibility of micro-cracks in the tire sidewalls between the tread and casing increased with repeated driving over curbs – leading to an increased risk of high-speed tire failures and the imposition of stint lengths by then race director Niels Wittich.

In preparation for the 2024 Qatar GP, the FIA ​​and Pirelli have worked together, rounding the tops of the pyramid-shaped curbs in seven of the 16 corners at Lusail, including turns 1,2,4,10, 12 and 13 and 14.

It was the sequence from Turn 10 to Turn 14 that put the most stress on the tires.

Pirelli used test simulations using a sample of the new curb design to ensure its tires were safe. Further data was collected during recent on-track testing by teams in Lusail, including Mercedes with Andrea Kimi Antonelli in pre-2024 cars.

A gravel bed was also installed on the outside of some curbs to prevent drivers from driving too wide.

With the high tire loads, Pirelli has brought to Qatar the hard C1 tire, the medium C2 tire and the soft C3 tire, the hardest combination in its range, which is also used at circuits such as Suzuka and Silverstone.

Pirelli also believes that graining like in Las Vegas could be a problem, although for different reasons.

While the cold weather in Vegas resulted in a lack of grip and tire slippage, the expected heat from the track could result in significant thermal damage.