Pirelli worried about sharp kerbs: "We are discussing it with the FIA"

The renewed lay-out of the Yas Marine Circuit in Abu Dhabi gives Pirelli cause for concern. The track has become faster, but according to Pirelli chief Mario Isola there is a risk for the tyres at certain points of the track.

"The first free practice session was all about getting familiar with the new layout of the track, as well as the fresh asphalt in the new sections," began Isola, who saw the drivers mostly explore the track on the soft compound. "The more representative conditions of FP2 allowed the teams to focus on realistic race and qualifying simulations."

Pirelli expresses concerns over kerbs

In the second free practice session, there was more variety to be seen in the tyre choices. "There was some wear seen on the softest compound at higher temperatures in the morning, which as usual improved with more driving and track development," the Italian continued.

According to the Pirelli boss, the track is clearly faster than last year, allowing more energy to pass through the tyres. "One area of concern is the kerbs, especially on the exit of turn five and turn nine, because there they are quite high and pointy. We are discussing this with the FIA so that we don't run into any unexpected problems during the weekend. The kerbs caused tyre blow-outs in Qatar, so Pirelli will be particularly wary of them.