Why such a disinterest in the first Free Practice session with the CIK-FIA?

Not for the first time, the first official practice session on Friday morning attracted very few drivers to the track. Seen from the outside, this may seem incomprehensible and the teams are often questioned about it. The reason is simple, even if it results in a lengthy explanation.

During the unofficial free practice, tyre management is completely free. Clearly, most participants put on a new set of tyres for each session. On Friday morning, the meeting officially begins and the CIK-FIA regulations come into force. In order to reduce costs, it was decided to award three sets of tyres for this phase during the first meeting of the season. Three sets for three sessions, of course, but teams must choose or keep one for the next event. In the end, only two sets will really be usable. The choice is then simple to participate only in the last two, whose conditions are closest to those of the Qualifying Practices that follow in the afternoon.

What could improve the popularity of Friday’s first session? The opinions gathered in the paddock go in two directions: either to authorise an additional set or to start with a set already used the day before. Wait and see!

Info Kartcom with Kartlink