Dubai Pitch Report: What You Need to Know Before You Race

Planning a race weekend at the Dubai Autodrome? Knowing the pitch condition can be the difference between a smooth lap and a dreaded spin‑out. This report gives you the current track temperature, surface grip level and weather outlook, plus a few quick tips to get the most out of your car.

Current Track Conditions

As of today, the asphalt feels medium‑wet. Early morning showers have left a thin layer of moisture that evaporates quickly when the sun comes up. By mid‑day the track warms to around 38 °C, which makes the surface slick in the corners but provides good grip on the straights. The off‑racing line stays a bit cooler, so if you’re looking for a clean line, stay close to the racing line after the first two laps when the rubber builds up.

Grip level is rated 6 out of 10 on the official scale. That means you’ll need a bit more throttle control in the high‑speed bends, especially at Turn 3 and the final sweep. Teams report that the new asphalt mix laid last winter is holding up well, but the expansion joints near the pit lane still feel a little uneven.

Weather Forecast for the Weekend

Dubai’s weather is predictable – clear skies, low humidity and a high of 41 °C on Saturday. Expect a gentle southerly wind around 5‑7 km/h, which will push the cars slightly onto the inside of the track on the long back straight. Sunday looks a bit cooler with a high of 38 °C and a chance of a brief sandstorm in the late afternoon. If you’re racing late, be ready for reduced visibility and a dusty surface.

Temperature swings are small, so tyre pressures can stay constant across the weekend. However, keep an eye on the tyre temperature gauge – the hotter the track, the faster the rubber will heat up, and you may need to drop a few psi to avoid overheating.

Now that you know what the pitch looks like and how the weather will behave, here are three practical tips to boost your performance:

• Use early laps to lay down rubber. The first two laps are crucial for building grip. Drive a clean line and avoid aggressive braking until the surface is fully rubbered in.
• Adjust rear‑end diff settings. A limited‑slip differential (LSD) set to a moderate lock will help you maintain traction in the medium‑wet corners without causing wheel spin on the hot straights.
• Plan pit stops around the wind. With a light southerly breeze, the front wing can be trimmed slightly higher on the back straight to reduce drag and gain a few tenths.

Remember, the Dubai pitch can change fast – a sudden gust or a stray sand patch can turn a good lap into a slip‑up. Keep your eyes on the track, listen to your engineers, and adapt your line as the day progresses.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the Autodrome, this pitch report should give you the confidence to hit the throttle at the right moment. Check back each morning for updates, because the best drivers always stay a step ahead of the surface.