Pirelli expects to reduce the risk of granulation

      Pirelli tire manufacturers have prepared tires for the Australian Grand Prix of the same compositions as last year, i.e. these are C3 (Hard), C4 (Medium) and C5 (Soft). But compared to 2024, the characteristics of the tires have become somewhat different, this is due to a number of changes affecting both the tire design and the compositions.

      This is done so that the rubber can better cope with the ever-increasing loads generated by the aerodynamic body kit of the car. As for the compounds, C3 is the most versatile of them in terms of balance and degradation.

      Pirelli reports that it is almost the same as it was in the previous two seasons, while the C4 has undergone significant changes to reduce the likelihood of granulation of the treadmill surface of the tire and minimize degradation. The composition of the C5 was also subjected to a similar refinement, thanks to which it is now suitable for use at the race distance, and not only in qualifying.

      If we talk about possible tactics, last year most of the participants in the Melbourne race covered the distance with two pit stops, while they drove the majority of it, i.e. up to 80% of the laps, on the toughest tires with an average length of 22 laps.

      Only three riders chose to start on Soft, which could withstand a maximum of 7 laps, and two more started the race on Hard, i.e. the remaining 15 started on Medium.

      During the weekend a year ago, granulation of rubber was observed, although this did not affect the efficiency of its operation and speeds. In 2025, at Albert Park, tire manufacturers and teams will find out whether Pirelli has managed to reduce this unpleasant phenomenon due to changes made to the tires of the C4 and C5 compounds.

      The Italian company's press release also reveals that this year its Pirelli Design division has started a collaboration with Denis Dekovich, a world-renowned sportswear designer. He has developed 14 different variants of the special design of baseball caps, in which the winners and prize-winners of the races appear on the podium. Such headdresses are also prepared for the award ceremony following the results of the Australian Grand Prix.