14/01/2016
NEWS STORY
Though we await the first unveiling, never mind the first pre-season test, Pirelli has confirmed the tyre compounds it will be taking to Sochi for the Russian Grand Prix, the fourth round of the new season.
The Italian manufacturer will bring the Medium, Soft and Supersoft compounds, with the Medium and Soft having to be used at some point in the race and a set of Supersofts in Q3.
Each driver must have a set of Medium and Soft for the race, and must use at least one of them, whilst also having saved one set of the softest compound for Q3. This set will be given back to Pirelli after Q3 for those who qualify in the top 10, but the remaining drivers will keep it for the race, as is the case currently.
The teams are free to choose the remaining sets; making up 13 sets in total for the weekend.
At a time many fans and drivers continue to argue that drivers should be free to make their choices from all the compounds available, it's worth noting that the tyre choices - and how they must be used - is the same for all four of the opening races.