The transition from racing in Europe to Indy NXT in the United States brings significant changes for drivers, with one of the most notable differences being the switch from Pirelli to Firestone tyres. Dennis Hauger and Sophia Floersch, former Formula 2 and 3 drivers, spoke to media including Pit Debrief about adapting to the new tyre compound and how it affects their approach on track.
Both drivers highlighted the distinct differences between Firestone and Pirelli tyres, particularly in terms of degradation and race management. Unlike Pirelli’s highly sensitive compounds, Firestone tyres allow for more aggressive and sustained racing.
“You can slide the tyres more”
Speaking to Pit Debrief, Floersch explained that while Firestone tyres still require some management, they offer more flexibility compared to Pirelli.
“Yeah, well, you also have to manage Firestone, but for sure, like percentage-wise, it’s nothing,” she said.
“I’m excited. You know, I think the European Formula philosophy is just a different one. They really want to prepare you as much as possible for that one-lap performance, which is the more you get up, the more it makes sense.
“But in F3, yeah, they have their side where they do it. But in the end, I think in general, Indy NXT will get a lot more drive time and will get a lot more racing. We’ll not get so much strategy just because, yeah, as I said before, you can slide the tyres more, you can use them more. The drop is not as big.”
Differences in grip and degradation
Floersch detailed how Firestone tyres behave differently in terms of grip levels and tyre degradation.
“You still have a drop, like when you put new tyres to old tyres to fresh tyres, there’s a difference in grip levels, even in Sebring where there’s no high-speed corners. So you do have to play it right. But in the end, it’s a little bit different.
“I think the advantage I have, or I think it’s a positive side that I’ve kind of learned how to treat tyres in the past couple of years because I got to get a feeling for it. I have a feeling for it. Also, with having done endurance racing for three years, I think that’s just positive things I can take into this year and, yeah, use it to perform in Indy NXT.”
Hauger, who has spent years in European racing, noted that Firestone tyres enable a more aggressive driving style compared to Pirelli, saying, “I was actually surprised when I got in the car for the first time.
“I think the Pirelli’s are very sensitive and soft. It’s been created to probably give it a bit of a show in the Formula 1 and Formula 2 paddock. Going down downforce, doing all these changes to make the car or make the tyres stay alive throughout the race. We don’t have that here, which is pretty cool.”
More aggressive racing in Indy NXT
Hauger also emphasised how Firestone tyres allow for more intense racing without the need for extreme tyre preservation.
“As in racing, there’s a lot higher intensity throughout the race. Pushing more. In F2 you’re at 60-70% at some point of the race. Until your tyres are staying alive. Here you’re at 95% all the way through. Which I think is really cool. It just becomes a bit more old-school slash fun racing.”
For both Floersch and Hauger, adapting to Firestone tyres is just one part of their transition to racing in the United States. With more track time and a different strategic approach, both drivers are eager to embrace the challenge and make the most of their first season in Indy NXT.
