Pirelli motorsport boss Paul Hembery is excited by the unpredictability factor delivered by the Spa-Francorchamps circuit at the Belgian Grand Prix.
The 7.004km circuit in the Ardennes regularly sees changeable weather which can make strategy difficult due to the potential for varied conditions at different parts of the track. With Pirelli again nominating the medium and soft compound tyres - as it did in Hungary - Hembery expects strategy will be even more crucial in Belgium due to the number of incidents usually seen at Spa.
“We have the same tyre nomination for Spa as we did for the Hungaroring – which turned out to be one of the most thrilling races of the season – but the two circuits present a very marked contrast," Hembery said. "Whereas Hungary was tight and twisty, Spa is open and flat-out, making it a favourite among all the drivers.
"We’ve got plenty of high-energy loads going through the tyres in many directions due to all the different forces at work, but ambient temperatures still tend to be quite low, so the soft and medium tyres represent the best compromise between performance and durability.
"Spa is a race where anything can happen, with a high incidence of safety cars and changing weather, so tyre strategy is important, as well as each team’s ability to constantly read the race and react quickly to any opportunities that present themselves.
"The recent Spa 24 Hours – which is our biggest event of the year – featured more changes of lead than you could count, as well as a succession of incidents and safety cars in the first half of the race. That showcases just what a spectacular and unpredictable competition this amazing circuit can regularly provide.”
Technical feature: Take a closer look around Lewis Hamilton's steering wheel
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
