F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Pirelli primer: which tyres for the Russian Grand Prix?

X (Twitter)X (Twitter)
FacebookFacebook
WhatsappWhatsapp

Sochi's 5.8 km, 18-turn track was renowned for its smooth surface when it joined the F1 world championship in 2014.

Since however, the Autodrom's surface has evolved and roughened although the circuit remains rather easy on tyres, with the exception of Turn 3, the track's most demanding corner.

Overall, Sochi puts the emphasis on traction and braking, with the front-right tyre working the hardest.

Subsequently, Pirelli's selection for this weekend comprises the C2, C3 and C4 hard, medium and soft compounds.

"With Russia now re-established in its autumn date, having moved back to this slot last year, it's going to be interesting to see what has changed compared to 2018," said Pirelli F1 boss Mario Isola.

"We're bringing tyres from the middle of the range this year – a step harder than last year – which should be well-adapted to a wide variety of conditions.

"Longitudinal rather than lateral forces are the main influence on the tyres here, with a high degree of track evolution throughout the weekend.

"Anticipating the set-up and tyre strategy with regard to the changing requirements of the track will be one of the keys to success in Sochi.

"A new absolute lap record was set last year by Valtteri Bottas in qualifying last year – let's see if that is lowered further this year".

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Hadjar eyes first F1 points after sensational qualifying in Shanghai

Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar is brimming with optimism, convinced that his first Formula 1…

2 hours ago

Leclerc: Qualifying performance reflects Ferrari’s ‘true pace’

Charles Leclerc offered a rather sobering assessment of Ferrari’s current performance level after a challenging…

3 hours ago

Chinese GP: Saturday's action in pictures

Saturday was a day of firsts at the Chinese GP in Shanghai, with Lewis Hamilton…

5 hours ago

Lawson’s confidence crisis deepens: ‘I don’t really have time’

Liam Lawson is finding himself at the center of an intensifying storm as mounting pressure…

6 hours ago

Verstappen sounds alarm as Red Bull trails rivals in Shanghai

Max Verstappen’s Shanghai weekend has sparked concerns at Red Bull Racing, with the four-time champion…

7 hours ago

Hamilton working on ‘master plan’ for Shanghai win

Lewis Hamilton’s debut Ferrari victory in the Chinese Grand Prix sprint event on Saturday hinted…

7 hours ago