F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Pirelli primer: which tyres for the Hungarian GP?

The Hungaroring's tight and winding road is all about corners, which means tyres are constantly put under pressure over the track's 4.381km distance, with no chances to cool down.

Yet, tyre wear and degradation at the Hungaroring is quite low, as are average speeds, characteristics that have partly determined Pirelli's middle of the range choice of compounds.

F1's tyre supplier has nominated for Hungary the white C2 as the hard, the yellow C3 as the medium, and the red C4 as the soft.

"Hungary marks the final grand prix before the traditional summer break, and it's a very challenging race to end the first part of the season with: both physically and strategically," explains Pirelli F1 boss Mario Isola.

"Overtaking is tricky with a narrow racing line – there is a risk of sliding if you get off it – so track position is key, and the strategy needs to ensure this.

"The Hungaroring is the sort of place that can cause a surprise though with the right strategy and a car that handles well, even if it's not the fastest, as we have seen a few times in the past.

"Last year, with the same tyre nomination as this year, we saw quite a few different race strategies following a rain-affected qualifying: hopefully we will have the same sort of tactical variety again this weekend."

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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.

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