Hockenheim is no longer the power circuit it used to be, the German Grand Prix venue now offering in its modern guide a more balanced layout.
Pirelli's subsequent selection for this weekend's race is the middle range represented by the Hard C2. Medium C3 and Soft C4 compounds, a choice broadly equivalent to last year.
"Hockenheim is not a track that the teams are historically completely familiar with," says Pirelli F1 boss Mario Isola.
"For many years it alternated with the Nurburgring, then it dropped off the calendar entirely, before returning last year.
"Nonetheless, there's nothing about the track that is particular surprise, with the demands and forces on the tyres being quite balanced.
"One exception is the Motodrom section, which is a bit more stop-and-go, while another thing to be aware of is the camber on Turn 12 and Turn 13.
"Wear and degradation is generally low, so in the past we have seen some quite long stints on the tyres.
"As we experienced last season though, the weather is hard to predict in Hockenheim at this time of year and this could certainly be one key element influencing strategy."
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter