Force India's Green sees potential advantage in starting on ultras

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Force India tech boss Andy Green believes that going against the trend and starting Sunday's Monaco GP on Pirelli's ultrasoft tyre could yield a big advantage.

Teams stocked up on the faster, pink-rimmed hypersoft compound which is used for the very first time this weekend.

The consensus among the teams calls for a one-stop strategy, with a likely first long run on the hypersoft before a switch over to the purple ultrasoft.

But Green believes that those among the top-ten who take the risk of reversing that order could see a big advantage come there way at the end of the day.

'Difficult' hypersoft tyre degrading faster than expected - Sainz

"The hypersoft seemed quite aggressive," says Green.

"It is almost a proper qualifying tyre which should be good for the show.

"Everyone will try to do one stop – some of the bigger teams will look to try to qualify on something other than the hyper, which may be they have the margin to do.

"It is a risky strategy around here. But if they can qualify on the ultrasoft it would be a big advantage to be able to do that.

"The strategy outside the top ten is a bit trickier, but it might be worth throwing the dice and gambling, maybe splitting strategies."

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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.