Uncertain conditions provide range of strategies for British Grand Prix
The British Grand Prix could be a one or two stop race after changing conditions during most of the race weekend, according to tyre manufacturer Pirelli.
Red Bull Racing mechanics work on their car in the pit lane. (Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool)
The two-stop is thought to have a slight advantage, with drivers starting on the soft tyre before moving to the medium on the second stint and finishing on another set of soft tyres.
The conventional one-stop is the preferred option although slightly slower, with drivers starting on the medium before changing to the hard around 20-30 laps into the grand prix.
“Tomorrow’s race should be run in the dry, although the forecast here is traditionally a bit haphazard,” said Mario Isola, director of motorsport at Pirelli.
“In terms of strategy, the C3 presents itself more and more as a viable choice and so a two-stop is probably the quickest option. That means we can expect to see different choices between the teams leading to more excitement and uncertainty."
Potential tyre strategies - click to expand. (Pirelli)
There are alternative options for teams, providing variety to both the one- and two-stop race plans.
Teams could start on the medium one-stop strategy but trade in their hard tyres for a set of softs at the end of the race, for example should there be a safety car in the lap 35-45 window.
Alternatively, Pirelli says some teams may opt to start on the hard compound and run it as long as possible before finishing on the soft tyre, a potential option for those further down the grid to take track advantage with any early-race stoppages.
All will be revealed with the Formula One British Grand Prix underway at midnight Sunday (AEST).
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