In a nutshell: which tyres for the Austrian GP?

©WRI2

40

After Baku's old world and medieval backdrop, Formula 1 heads to the scenic mountains of Styria and the short but always challenging Red Bull Ring.

As opposed to Azerbaijan, Canada and Monaco, the Austrian circuit is an entirely permanent venue: a chopped down version of the mythical Osterreichring.

This gives the track an old-school feel, and a lot of it is visible from any vantage point; it’s one of the shortest laps of the year.

The three softest tyres in Pirelli’s Formula 1range will be used in Austria: P Zero Yellow soft, P Zero Red supersoft and P Zero Purple ultrasoft.

These should be well-suited to the rollercoaster Spielberg layout, providing the right compromise between warm-up, performance and durability.

"The natural selection for this type of circuit is the three softest compounds in the range," explains Pirelli's head of car racing, Mario Isola.

"Having said that, we’ve seen in the past that Austria also has the capability to spring a few surprises.

"When we get there we’ll see if one stops or two are more likely, but it will be important for teams to build someflexibility into the strategies as well.

"Longitudinal forces –so traction and braking –are the key aspects in Austria, rather than cornering."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.