Analysis of the Pirelli rubber after the opening day of action at the Losail Circuit revealed that there was evidence of a sidewall separation between the topping compound and the carcass cords.
A statement issued by the FIA suggested that the problem could lead to a loss of air if the tires were used too high.
Initial indications suggest the problem has arisen from a new design being created in Qatar for this weekend’s event.
The governing body reported, “This problem is probably caused by high-frequency interference between the tire sidewalls and the 50 mm ‘pyramid’ curbs used extensively at this circuit, exacerbated by the tendency to ride those curbs. Is.”
The issue is of such concern to the FIA that it had to make an emergency alteration to its timetable for Saturday, with an additional practice session now scheduled to evaluate the situation.
The FIA said in its statement that a number of measures were being taken to prevent the possibility of problems in the race.
It was reported that the track limits at Turns 12-13 would be modified and an additional 10-minute familiarization session would take place at 4pm on Saturday – moving back the start of Sprint Shootout qualifying – to allow drivers to get used to the new track. Policing.
Oscar Piastri, McLaren MCL60, in the pit lane
Photo by: Mark Sutton/Motorsport Images
The Sprint Shootout will now start at 4.20pm, 20 minutes later than originally scheduled.
Following the sprint race on Saturday evening, the tires will be further analyzed to determine whether any further action is required for Sunday’s Grand Prix.
If there are signs of further trouble, the FIA could mandate maximum use of tires on Sunday on safety grounds.
This would mean that the tire lifetime for new tires in the race should not exceed 20 laps, and this number would increase for any used tires fielded in the race, taking into account the in-and-out laps in qualifying. It will be 22.
All drivers will also be obliged to make at least three tyre-change pitstops during the race.
Ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, AlphaTauri driver Yuki Tsunoda expressed his concern about the aggressive restrictions implemented this year.
“It’s a step between derailment and derailment,” he said. “Driving on the road won’t be a problem, but once you go off the road it will be a complete slide.
“It’s not easy at all, and especially driving here, on such high-speed corners where the car is really low, it will be hard. I think even a one-off would be quite expensive.”