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'Tyre strategies wide open in Abu Dhabi,' says Pirelli's Hembery

Pirelli will be closing out the 2016 season with a selection of its softest compounds to be used around the very smooth Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi.

Drivers have been allocated Soft, SuperSoft and UtraSoft rubber for the weekend, with the latter compound making its fifth appearance of the season, having last been seen in Singapore.

The track's smooth surface, and its wide variety of corners, is not particularly demanding on tyre wear and degradation, hence Pirelli's soft selection.

"Abu Dhabi is one of the circuits we know best, having completed a number of tests there previously, including some of the recent 2017 wider tyre tests that we have been carrying out since August," explained Pirelli motorsport boss Paul Hembery.

"The new element to this year's race is obviously the ultrasoft tyre, which should provide some extra speed on a circuit that forms a good all-round test for the tyres.

"In fact, all the compounds nominated for this year are very well suited to Abu Dhabi, opening up a number of different possibilities when it comes to strategy.

"Although the attention is on the finish of the 2016 season, we're already looking forward to 2017, with a presentation to media before the start of the grand prix, then the first test with all three mule cars on track together with 2017 tyres, on the Tuesday after the race."

As a reminder, Mercedes' Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, who go head to head in next Sunday's title decider, have elected to receive identical tyre allocations although strategic usage may differ.

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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.