'Difficult' hypersoft tyre degrading faster than expected - Sainz

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Carlos Sainz says enforcing a one-stop strategy on Sunday won't be an easy task after experiencing higher levels of degradation than expected with Pirelli's hypersoft tyre.

The Renault driver witnessed firsthand yesterday in free practice the specific compound's behavior, and while he remains convinced a one-stopper will be the way to go at Monaco, extending a first stint on the pink-rimmed tyre will be a challenge.

"I think a lap record on Thursday is quite special around Monaco," said the Spaniard who labeled the hypersoft as 'difficult but fast'.

"It shows I was not very wrong when I said it was going to be fast."

"And there’s a lot more deg than we were expecting, to be honest. I expected the tyre to last a bit more and it’s degrading quite a lot out there."

Pirelli asked to limit tyre designation to 'hard, medium and soft' in 2019

Pirelli's Mario Isola considered degradation levels of its softest compound to be pretty much in line with the manufacturer's expectations, the Italian engineer not calling into question a basic one-stop strategy on race day, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

"We’ve seen a lot more degradation on the softest compound here than we have in previous years, exactly as expected," said Isola

"We also saw some front-left graining, especially in the morning, which is also normal in Monaco.

"While the extra pace this year was clear with the track record broken today, a one-stop race on Sunday is still the most likely option due to the huge importance of track position at this race.

"Although Red Bull has been very strong today, again we’ve seen the top teams very closely matched."

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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.