Pirelli has outlined that a one-stop strategy will be the quickest approach for Formula 1’s Brazilian Grand Prix
Last year’s event was won by the one-stopping Lewis Hamilton, who was able to fend off the charging Max Verstappen, following the Red Bull driver's clash with Esteban Ocon.
For Sunday’s race, the top-10 starters will be on the red-marked Soft tyres, while Ferrari's Charles Leclerc will start on the yellow-ringed Medium tyres from 14th, having been relegated due to an engine penalty.
Those who did not make it through to Q3 will have a free choice of starting tyres for the 71-lap Grand Prix.
Pirelli believes a one-stop strategy on the Soft/Hard compounds will be the fastest way to approach the race, stopping between laps 26-29 to switch to the Hards until the chequered flag.
An alternative – slightly slower one-stop strategy – is to go through the Soft/Medium compounds, making a stop between laps 34-37 laps to make the switch to the Mediums.
A potential two-stopping strategy has been taken into consideration as one of the slowest ways to complete the race, completing two stints on the Softs ranging from 18-21 laps and then running the Mediums until the finish.
The slowest strategy according to Pirelli would a one-stop approach by starting on the Mediums and running for 24-27 laps and then switching to the Hards for the remainder of the race.
"As expected, track temperatures were warmer in qualifying, well above 30 degrees centigrade for the first time so far this weekend, which meant that the track offered a bit more grip," said Mario Isola, head of F1 and car racing.
"This increase in temperature is expected to continue [for the race], which means that we could see some variations in strategy. With three different teams in the top three of the grid, we're set for some close competition, so even a small change could make a difference.
"The front of the grid all start on the Soft tyre, which means that it's a level playing field for the first stint at least: whoever makes the most of it could gain an important advantage."
The tight, twisty and bumpy Interlagos circuit coupled with the variable ambient temperature changes will make for a tough challenge throughout the race.
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