Pirelli predicts one-stop strategy for Miami Grand Prix under threat of rain
Despite the new track surface and difficult conditions during the weekend, Pirelli predicts that a one-stop strategy will again be the fastest option in the Miami Grand Prix.
Pirelli motorsport director Mario Isola at the Miami Grand Prix. (Pirelli)
Starting the race on the yellow medium compound before changing to the white hard tyre in laps 13-20 is seen as the fastest option, with a two-stop strategy only narrowly behind.
“The data collected so far suggests that a one stopper from medium to hard is the best theoretical way to run the race,” said motorsport director Mario Isola.
“The slight shortening of the pit lane opens up the possibility of a two-stopper, but we’ve also seen a bit of graining on the softs over long runs.”
The two-stop strategy would allow teams to pit earlier for their first stop, opening up time for a third stint and sprint to the finish on the yellow medium or red soft trye.
Possible race strategies for the Miami Grand Prix - click to expand. (Pirelli)
“This is the case if the weather remains stable, but forecasts indicate that rain could come into play on Sunday, either before or during the race,” said Isola.
“And as everyone knows, if it rains, anything can happen…”
The chance of rain is a real threat on grand prix Sunday, with at least half an inch of rain reported overnight according to the National Weather Service.
The prediction for Sunday is a 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 2pm. Lights go out for the grand prix at 3.30pm, which would get underway with a wet track in drying conditions under the current forecast.
However, the weather is very changeable given Florida’s monsoon season.
The one certainty is a decreased level of grip no matter what the conditions.
The overnight rain will have washed away the rubber accumulated on track during the weekend. This will lead to reduced grip and return the surface to “green” conditions, similar to those experienced in FP1 when multiple drivers struggled to find a consistent racing line.
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