In a nutshell: which tyres for the Russian GP?

Formula 1 heads back to Europe with the Russian Grand Prix at Sochi, which joined the F1 calendar in 2014.

The track surface is smooth, with mild weather conditions expected, so for the second time this season the three softest tyres in the range have been nominated.

But it’s the first time that the ultrasoft tyre has been brought to Russia. In the past, the race has always been won using a one-stop strategy.

"The race follows a two-day test in Bahrain, so it will be interesting to see how the lessons learned there translate into on-track performance and tyre management in Russia, " says Pirelli's Mario Isola.

"On the face of it, with Sochi being a low-severity circuit and more durable tyres this year, it should be a relatively straightforward one-stop race.

"However, this is the first time we are going there with the ultrasoft tyre, so the effect that it has together with the new generation of cars remains to be seen.

"The performance gap between the softest compounds is relatively small, so all three choices are potential race tyres in Sochi."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.