Pirelli rules out ultrasoft tyre for Russian GP

Pirelli has announced the three tyre compounds for this year’s Russian Grand Prix, with the Italian company nominating the medium, soft, and supersoft.

Formula One’s official supplier already picked the same tyres for the opening three races in Australia, Bahrain, and China. Pirelli had been conservative in its tyre nomination for the inaugural 2014 Sochi event, and went for a more aggressive strategy last year by bringing its softest product.

The Black Sea venue's low-degradation characteristics might have suited Pirelli’s new-for-2016 ultrasoft tyre but the Milan-based firm ruled out against it and is likely to introduce the purple-walled compound at Monaco.

New regulations see three compounds chosen by Pirelli for each grand prix weekend, with the softest one required to be used in Q3 and at least one of two compounds nominated by Pirelli mandatory for the race.

As a result, one set of supersoft tyres must be used in the final phase of qualifying, while Pirelli has selected the medium and soft as the race compounds. F1 teams are therefore able to freely pick 10 out of their allocated 13 tyre sets.

This year's Russian Grand Prix takes place on April 29 - May 1, a much earlier date than the October slot of the past two editions.

Honda exclusive Q&A: Realistic expectations for 2016

Feature: What happens on any given F1 Saturday?

Technical preview: What changes in 2016?

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

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

10 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

11 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

13 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

15 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

16 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

17 hours ago