For Formula One’s annual visit
to the Red Bull Ring, with its stunning mountain setting, the three softest
compounds in the P Zero range have been nominated: soft, supersoft and
ultrasoft. The Spielberg track is probably the closest that Formula One
comes to a rally stage: with big changes of elevation and a sequence of fast
and twisty corners. The weather in the region can also be quite
unpredictable.
Although the circuit only returned to the F1 calendar in 2014, it has its
roots in the 1969 Osterreichring, which gives the track quite an old-school
character that is still in evidence
now.
THE CIRCUIT FROM A TYRE POINT OF VIEW:
- The first two sectors are fast with the final sector being slower and more
technical.
- The circuit tests a wide spectrum of a tyre’s ability, in terms of lateral
and longitudinal loading.
- Wear, degradation and temperatures are quite low, which is why we have the
softest tyres.
- Judging the braking points is quite complex, as there are a number of
uphill braking areas.
- The track surface is generally low-grip and low abrasion, as well as being
bumpy in places.
- Spielberg is the shortest lap time of the year with only nine corners, so
precision is vital.
THE THREE NOMINATED COMPOUNDS:
- Yellow soft: unusually this is the hardest tyre in the range, one of the
mandatory available sets.
- Red supersoft: these should play an important role in the race, also a
mandatory available set.
- Purple ultrasoft: the most popular choice by a long way, with up to nine
sets nominated per car.
HOW IT WAS A YEAR AGO:
- A one-stop strategy proved key to victory, although this was influenced by
an early safety car. Nico Rosberg started on the supersoft and then switched
to the soft on lap 38 (of 71).
- Best-placed alternative strategy: Pastor Maldonado finished seventh from
10th on the grid (promoted by grid penalties) after starting on the soft
tyre and doing a long opening stint.
PAUL HEMBERY, PIRELLI MOTORSPORT DIRECTOR:
“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. 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.”
WHAT’S NEW?
- The circuit has been completely re-asphalted this year, with the new
asphalt having a similar level of abrasion to before. The fresh bitumen may
offer a different amount of grip though: it will be measured by Pirelli’s
engineers on Wednesday before the race.
- The ultrasoft makes its Austrian debut, having been introduced for the
current season.
- As well as cars, Spielberg also hosted the Red Bull Air Race earlier this
year, above the track.
OTHER THINGS THAT HAVE CAUGHT OUR EYE RECENTLY:
- Ferrari and Renault have made the most aggressive nominations: nine sets
of ultrasoft each.
- The top two in the championship (Rosberg and Hamilton) differ in their
tyre choices.
- Pirelli becomes part of the FIA’s action for road safety campaign, with
some new initiatives. |