Formula 1 tyre supplier Pirelli is expecting a one-stop strategy to be the most efficient way of tackling the Belgian Grand Prix.
Pirelli has nominated the Supersoft, Soft and Medium compound tyres in order to cope with the demands of Spa-Francorchamps, with either of the latter two mandatory for one stint in dry conditions.
Cool conditions are expected to prevail during the 44-lap Grand Prix, with temperatures having remained low throughout the weekend in the Ardennes.
Pirelli has outlined that a Supersoft/Soft approach is likely to be quickest, with a pit stop coming on lap 16.
Should a driver start on Soft tyres then a 28-lap stint, before taking on Supersofts, is deemed to be a viable approach.
If warmer weather moves in, or if drivers encounter blistering, then Pirelli expects a Supersoft/Medium strategy (pitting on lap 12) or a Soft/Medium approach (pitting on lap 25) to be best.
It reckons a two-stop strategy (involving two 13-lap stints on Supersofts before taking on Softs) to be more than 15 seconds slower than a one-stop approach.
The top nine drivers on the grid, and Valtteri Bottas, will start on the Supersoft tyres, assuming dry conditions prevail, with the remaining 10 permitted free choice from the three nominated compounds.
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