F1 tire pressures: Pirelli proposes telemetry-based monitoring
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Tire pressure is one of the most crucial parameters in Formula 1, affecting grip, balance, aerodynamics, and tire wear. Non-compliance with the supplier’s regulations can lead to disqualification, highlighting the importance of the monitoring method. Pirelli is now proposing a change to the current system, suggesting that any penalties be based on data from standard sensors already in use.
The TPMS
The pressure of a gas is closely linked to its temperature, meaning tire pressure is not constant. It increases after leaving the pit box and stabilizes after a few laps. For this reason, Pirelli issues two prescriptions at every Grand Prix: a minimum static pressure when the car is stationary and a stabilized value for when the car is in motion.
To verify compliance, Pirelli wants to use the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System), a pressure sensor installed on every tire. "For two years, teams have had a standardized sensor inside the tire," explains Mario Isola, Pirelli Motorsport Director, to FormulaPassion. "Previously, each team had its own system, making it practically impossible to monitor using the sensor."
The sensors record tire pressure telemetry, which is monitored by the FIA and Pirelli. However, irregularities detected in the data currently cannot result in penalties. Isola adds: "The monitoring is done, but if something doesn't convince us, it's not used as a basis for a penalty. If a stabilized pressure lower than the prescribed value is found, checks are made on starting and finishing pressures to determine if there was a violation."
The current system
Currently, compliance is determined through post-race inspections of the tires, with pressures linked to tire temperature. To comply, the inflation pressure must remain above a specific curve of values during the tire’s cooling phase. Pirelli is also authorized to check cold pressures and reheat the tires in blankets to ensure that the starting values met the minimum requirements. The entire process is regulated by Technical Directive 003.
Pirelli's proposal aims to simplify the process, as Mario Isola explains: "We want to move towards direct sensor monitoring, eliminating the need for other checks. […] It's data that the FIA receives live and can monitor. This would make the process less cumbersome." The Pirelli Motorsport Director believes the change could be implemented as early as 2025: "We'd like to introduce it next year since the sensors have very low failure rates and generally work well."
If approved, the new method would primarily be useful during races, while the old procedure would still apply for single-lap qualifying. Mario Isola concludes: "The starting pressure check will remain because, in qualifying, the stabilized pressure is never reached. A certain number of laps are needed, which is why the starting pressure must be verified in qualifying."
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