Formula 1 tyre supplier Pirelli has outlined that a one-stop strategy is likely to be the quickest approach to the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Pirelli has nominated the Supersoft (red), Soft (yellow) and Medium (white) compounds in order to cope with the demands placed upon the rubber by the Interlagos circuit.
Assuming dry conditions prevail either the Soft or Medium tyres must be used for one stint of the Grand Prix, which is scheduled for 71 laps.
At the sharp end of the pack Mercedes and Ferrari have adopted different approaches for the opening stint of the race, owing to their compound choices in Q2.
Pole sitter Lewis Hamilton and third-placed Valtteri Bottas will begin on Supersofts while front-row starter and fourth-placed Kimi Raikkonen will line up on Softs.
That gives Ferrari the scope to run a longer first stint, albeit with the risk of relinquishing track position at the start due to the weaker traction offered by the harder compound.
Red Bull and Sauber drivers, Haas’ Romain Grosjean and Toro Rosso’s Pierre Gasly will start on Supersofts while the remaining 10 competitors are permitted free choice from the three nominated compounds.
Pirelli expects a stint on Soft tyres of length 32 to 36 laps, before taking on Mediums, to be the quickest strategy.
Starting on Supersofts and running for between 25 and 30 laps, prior to pitting for Mediums, is also deemed to be a quick approach.
Should warmer conditions prevail a two-stop strategy may wind up being quicker, running two 20-22 lap stints on Supersofts before taking on Softs for the remainder of the race.
