F1 | Abu Dhabi GP, the softest range of Pirelli compounds at Yas Marina

The longest Formula 1 season ever ends with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the twenty-second race on the calendar. After the new entries Qatar and Saudi Arabia, Yas Marina represents a more familiar challenge, even if the track has undergone quite significant changes this year.

Nonetheless, based on the simulations and available data, the same compounds as in 2020 were selected: C3 as P Zero White hard, C4 as P Zero Yellow medium and C5 as P Zero Red soft. Changes to the circuit, designed to increase overtaking opportunities, will increase speeds and loads in some corners. However, the asphalt of the track remains smooth, with a medium level of stress on the tires in terms of wear and degradation. For this reason, the three softest compounds in the P Zero range remain the most appropriate choice.

The characteristics of the Abu Dhabi circuit

The track, which has remained unchanged since its debut in 2009, has undergone several changes: at the start of the lap, the chicane that formed turns 5 and 6 was replaced by a straight; the next hairpin has been brought forward and widened, thus increasing the speed with which you enter the following straight. A long curve with light banking has been introduced to replace the pre-existing complex succession of curves 11 to 14.

Finally, towards the end of the lap, the four tight corners around the Yas Marina hotel (17 to 20) have been widened and made faster. These changes have shortened the track by 273 metres, meaning the race will be run over 58 laps rather than 55, and the lap time is expected to decrease by around 14 seconds. As usual, the race should start just before sunset and take place at night, which will cause the asphalt temperature to decrease quite quickly and consequently change the behavior of the tyres. FP2 and qualifying are the only two sessions representative of race conditions, while the other free practices will be held in the heat of broad daylight.

Last year, with the same tire nomination, the winning strategy was one stop from medium to hard, and it was the sixth consecutive year in which the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was won by those starting from pole position. All three drivers on the podium adopted the same strategy and only three drivers made more than one stop.

Mario Isola, head of F1 and Car Racing at Pirelli

“Yas Marina is an established season finale, but the changes made to the circuit will provide a fresh twist and the promise of a breathtaking finale to what has been a spectacular season.

We will see the final package of 2022 single-seaters in action with the new tires for the first time during the early season tests at the end of February."