Pirelli have announced the compounds of its P Zero Tyres that will be used for the first four flyaway races in Australia, Malaysia, China and Bahrain.
The season opener at Albert Park on the weekend of 13-15 March will see the P Zero White-banded Medium tyre being used alongside the P Zero Yellow-banded Soft tyre. Pirelli believe these compounds are well suited to the ‘varied demands’ of the Melbourne circuit.
Round two at Sepang on 27-29 March will see the first usage of the P Zero Orange-banded Hard tyre alongside the Medium’s. The Malaysian circuit has an abrasive asphalt surface and the ambient temperatures at Sakhir are usually high.
Shanghai on 10-12 April will see the Medium and Hard tyre again, with high degradation expected due to the demanding layout of the circuit.
Sakhir on 17-19 April will also see the Medium and Hard tyres in use, with the Bahraini circuit usually tough on the rear tyres in particular.
Pirelli brought the same compounds of tyre to these Grand Prix in 2014, although the range has evolved since last year. The rear tyres in particular have been designed to distribute forces and temperature more evenly.
