Pirelli announces tyre choices for Bahrain and Russia

Pirelli has divulged its selection of tyre compounds for the third and fourth rounds of the 2017 world championship.

In Bahrain, Pirelli will supply its SuperSoft, Soft and Medium rubber which is the same selection offered at the previous event in China.

It will be mandatory for teams to use one set of Softs or Mediums in the race, while the Supersoft compound will be available for Q3.

Pirelli 2017 tyres will have 'very low degradation'

At Sochi Autodrom, the Ultra Soft, Super Soft and Soft compounds will be supplied, which is a less conservative selection than the one which was provided in Russia last year.

One set of Super Softs or Softs must be used in the race, with a set of Ultra Softs assigned for Q3.

As a reminder, all drivers will use the same compounds in the first five races of the 2017 season, chosen at Pirelli's discretion.

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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.