Pirelli Motorsport Director Paul Hembery believes the introduction of the Ultrasoft compound to the Red Bull Ring could open up different strategy calls by the teams.
Last year’s Austrian Grand Prix was primarily a one stop affair for most teams, but with the Ultrasoft making its first appearance on a circuit that is not a street track, Hembery believes that it could open up the window for two stop strategies.
Hembery believes the Ultrasoft will work well around the Red Bull Ring, and is predicting the fastest lap times ever seen around the circuit.
“Austria is one of the most picturesque and individual tracks on the championship, which asks a lot from the tyres in terms of all-round mechanical grip and performance, which is why the ultrasoft has been resoundingly favoured here,” said Hembery.
“As a result, we may have a two-stop race this time, even though last year was a one-stopper. However, this venue is always quite unpredictable: we had a safety car period right at the beginning of the grand prix last year, while rain as well as bright sunshine seems to be an equal possibility.
“The ultrasoft compound should be well-suited to the Red Bull Ring, which means that we will almost certainly see the fastest laps ever of this current circuit configuration this weekend.”
As well as the Ultrasoft, the Supersoft and Soft tyres will be in available to drivers this weekend.
