Domenicali 'concerned' at prospect of '72 pit-stops in 58 laps'

Having been one of the few defenders of Pirelli during pre-season testing, on the evidence of what he has seen in practice in Melbourne, Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali has urged the Italian manufacturer to up its game - and fast

The full story can be found on Crash.net (and others apparently)

 

To be honest I think its all a bit of hoo haa over nothing.

 

Mercedes and Renault are saying the opposite and that they are only struggling to get the heat into them. So I think they maybe the dark horses if they need fewer stops

 

It's also due to be a fair bit warmer on sunday so you may be right

 

Does anyne think that Ferrari may have a tyre ware weakness?

 

I'm sure we would have seen some evidence if they had issues. They may just be average on tyres compared to the others, but I've seen nothing in practice to suggest they are bad

 

The actual number could approach 80 stops in 58 laps: a lot more than one per lap. However, the stops will not be so conveniently staggered, meaning that there will be the potential for some serious congestion in what is a rather narrow pit-lane.

And this is a circuit with relatively low tyre wear! The mind boggles at the 78 laps of Monaco with the tightest pit lane of all - which already accommodates an enlarged grid as compared with the very recent past…

 

If we assume the HRT's will break down and then another 3ish cars don't make the distance that's 10+ stops gone. None the less its still going be a shock to the system from the usual 1-2stop strategies!

 

the pit crews are definatly going to earn their money this season.

 

72 stops. That's three each if everyone finishes the race, personally I think it will end up less than that.

Cosicave: Pirelli are introducing an Ultra-Hard compound for circuits with higher tyre wear which they hope to introduce by Turkey so they'll have increased durability for the more abrasive tracks. Montreal on these compounds would've been absolute carnage.

 

I don't think so. View from testing is that Ferrari are actually one of the kindest on it's tyres along with Red Bull. The fact that these teams appear to have superior downforce backs this up.

 

In reality the first 24 pitstops will be between lap 10 and 16, then another 24 between lap 24 and 32, and yet another 24 pitstops between lap 42 and 50. Pitlane a bit busy !!

 

im sure a safety car may bring in cars for fresh rubber

 

For sure, unless they have recently pitted already, in which case they gain a nice advatantage.

 

I wonder how the safety car would get on in the race, presumably it wouldn't have to stop and it does nip along fairly. I reckon it could give the Virgins a run for their money.

 

I think the odd's on that happening currently stand at evens

 

Domenicali, sit the **** back down, and put up with it. This is Formula 1.