The hypersoft, the most tender and fastest tyre in the Pirelli F1 range, which has so far been the absolute record for all the circuits visited – will be back in Russia, associated with the ultrasoft and soft tyres.
This is the same nomination as that proposed in Singapore, with a “gap” between the two mixes since supersoft tyre was not selected.
This element must therefore once again make it possible to multiply the strategies because of the large, but equal difference between each type of envelope.
Russia, however, offers a route with characteristics very different from those of Singapore, many unpredictable elements will be discovered throughout the weekend.
The Sochi circuit was very smooth and slippery when it was inaugurated in 2014, but the asphalt has matured since then. Not as much as it should, however, because of extreme temperatures in summer and winter. The event is back at an autumnal date, a first since 2016.
The wear and degradation are relatively low, but the hypersoft tyre is two notches softer than the most powerful ultrasoft proposed in Russia last year.
In 2017, the strategy of a pit stop was victorious. And by switching ultrasoft tyres to supersoft on the 27th lap, the Mercedes Valtteri Bottas driver won his first Formula 1 victory in Sochi.
The most demanding turn, which requires the tyres the most, is number 3, consisting of several ropes on the left. The front right wheel is the most used on the 5,848 kilometers that make up the tour, where the emphasis is on traction and braking.
Valtteri Bottas admits hypersoft is the best tyre of Pirelli. (Source:www.skysports.com)
“With a new gap between two mixes and an identical nomination to that of Singapore, we hope once again to observe different variants in terms of strategy, but in the very different context of Sochi,” said Mario Isola, Racing Manager Pirelli.
“This is a very aggressive rubber track, with a smooth coating that results in very little wear and tear – in theory, the ideal playground for hyper-soft tyre.”
“But as this tyre has never ridden in Russia, the teams will have to quickly apprehend during free practice to define a potential race strategy. It will also be interesting to see the behavior of this hypersoft tyre envelope on this route and especially in the dreaded bend number 3.” added Isola.
