Soft and super soft Bridgestone tires for Hungarian GP
The Hungarian Grand Prix – ING Magyar Nagydij – takes place at the slowest permanent race circuit on the calendar and it presents a number of distinct challenges for competitors. As the circuit is not used frequently, it is likely to start the weekend very slippery and dirty before Bridgestone rubber is laid down on the track. This makes it difficult to find the ideal set-up as the circuit presents a moving target, but nevertheless, lap times should fall rapidly over the weekend due to the improving track surface.
The tight and twisty nature of the circuit combined with the difficult surface means that front tire graining, particularly on the left hand side, is likely to be a factor, especially early in the weekend. Heat is another issue in Hungary, as this event has frequently been one of the hottest of the year. It’s not always hot however, and in 2006 Formula One visited an exceptionally wet circuit, leading to an action-packed race. Five of the current Formula One drivers have won at the Hungaroring, Rubens Barrichello, Fernando Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. This will be the 23rd time the Hungarian Grand Prix has taken place at the Hungaroring.
Hirohide Hamashima, Director of Bridgestone Motorsport Tire Development, said:
What are the challenges of the Hungaroring?
“The Hungaroring is an interesting circuit, especially as it is not used much during the year. This means the circuit grip levels experienced on Friday are likely to be very different from those experienced in the race. For deciding set-up and tire strategy, this makes things difficult, and competitors will have to work hard. Tire management, particularly with graining, is very important, and qualifying position is crucial as overtaking is difficult." Source Bridgestone