P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The C3, C4, C5 tyres are in use in Bahrain – as Pirelli’s motorsport boss Mario Isola lays out potential strategies.
Pirelli anticipates the Bahrain Grand Prix being a competitive race with either two or three pit stops due to tire degradation concerns at the Sakhir International Circuit. Teams tend to avoid using the Medium C2 tires during practice, opting for a combination of Soft and Hard compounds for the 57-lap race. The track’s harsh surface and traction zones make tire wear a significant factor, leading to multiple pit stops during the race. Pirelli’s Mario Isola suggests that a three-stop strategy could be as effective as a two-stop, with minimal difference in total race time. For a three-stop strategy, Soft-Hard-Soft-Soft tires are recommended for better rear degradation management and improved track conditions towards the end of the race. Despite the potential overtaking benefits of starting with Hard tires, maintaining track position could become challenging, making it a less favorable choice for starting at the front.