Mercedes continues conservative tyre selection in Japan

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Like in Sochi last weekend, Mercedes has opted for a conservative approach to its tyre selection for next week's Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

Relative to their rivals, Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas have chosen eight sets each of the soft C3 tyre, with the pair making identical choices when it comes to their medium and hard tyres.

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Ferrari and Red Bull drivers shall also rely on the exact same selection, with nine sets of the red-rimmed soft compound, four sets of the yellow medium rubber and a single set of the white hard tyre.

Among the midfield runners, Renault and Haas have each stocked up on ten sets of the soft tyre for each of their drivers.

The remainder of the teams have all elected to take on nine sets of the soft tyres, while Racing Point's Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll, Renault's Nico Hulkenberg and Williams' George Russell are the only drivers to have chosen more than a single set of the C1 hard compound.

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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.