Difficult tyre strategy decision for Hungaroring


By BMW Sauber F1 Team & Bridgestone
July 30 2008

Maximum downforce will be extremely important for the BMW Sauber F1 Team drivers at the Hungarian Grand Prix. For this reason they will be using the softest tyre compounds from the Bridgestone product range. Hirohide Hamashima, Director of Bridgestone Motorsport Tyre Development, talks about the Hungaroring. "The Hungaroring is an interesting circuit, especially as it is not used much during the year," says Hamashima. "This means the circuit grip levels experienced on Friday are likely to be very different from those experienced in the race. This makes things difficult when deciding set-up and tyre strategy, and teams and drivers will have to work hard."

Numerous turns, short straights and a low average speed are characteristic factors of the 4.381-kilometre venue for the Hungarian Grand Prix. As Hamashima is aware, the starting position is particularly important: "Tyre management, particularly with graining, is very important, and qualifying position is crucial as overtaking is difficult."

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