Pirelli reveals Qatar tyre choice: 'Didn't measure the roughness of the asphalt'

Formula One heads to Qatar this week for the final race of its demanding triple-header. However, the Losail circuit is still uncharted territory for the premier class of motorsport, presenting Pirelli with a challenge when it comes to judging the right choice of tyres.

MotoGP has been a regular at Qatar for many years, but Formula One will make its debut there this year. According to Pirelli boss Mario Isola, the tyre supplier relies on data provided by the circuit. "We rely on simulation data and track information that we have collected in advance," he said in a press release.

"We haven't had the chance to measure the roughness of the asphalt with our instruments yet, but the promoter has provided us with very useful information about the properties of the asphalt. From what we can see, the hardest tyres will be well suited to Losail," notes Isola.

He continues: "We made that choice because of the rather rough asphalt and the very demanding corners. But as we have never raced there before, we will only get a good idea of how the tyres really work at this track when we get there."