Pirelli has nominated which three compounds it will take to the Russian Grand Prix, the fourth round of the championship, and which of those compounds must be used during the race.
Under new rules, teams have been granted greater freedom to choose their own compounds, though Pirelli has restricted their choice for safety reasons.
The Italian manufacturer will make available the Supersoft (Red), Soft (Yellow) and Medium (White). However during the race each driver must complete at least one stint on the Medium and Soft compound.
The Supersoft has been selected as the Q3 qualifying tyre and must be used unless the session is declared wet. That set – for those in the top ten – will then be returned to Pirelli after the session and can’t be used during the race.
![Aston Martin managed its first race finish of 2026 with Fernando Alonso [behind] completing the distance](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Aston-Martin-Honda-Japanese-GP-120x86.webp)
Teams are then given free reign to choose which other compounds, out of the three nominated, they wish to use throughout the weekend.
The opening three races of the season have also been allocated the same compounds.
![Aston Martin managed its first race finish of 2026 with Fernando Alonso [behind] completing the distance](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Aston-Martin-Honda-Japanese-GP-350x250.webp)
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