Pirelli has confirmed its tire allocations for the next three Formula 1 grands prix in Singapore, Japan and Russia.
Pirelli brings the two of its four dry tire compounds to each race, picking the most suitable pair depending on the characteristics of the track being used.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Italian tire supplier confirmed that it would be bringing the two softest compounds – super-soft and soft – to Singapore and Russia, whilst retaining the two hardest – hard and medium – for Japan.
“In Singapore, the teams will use the P Zero Red supersoft and P Zero Yellow soft,” Pirelli said. “These compounds are perfectly suited to the street circuit characteristics of the Marina Bay track, providing a rapid warm-up and maximum mechanical grip.
“In Japan, by contrast, the P Zero Orange hard and P Zero White medium will be nominated: the two hardest compounds in the range. This is to cater for the high-energy demands and fast corners of Suzuka, which ask a lot from the tires. With the Japanese Grand Prix held earlier in the season compared to last year, conditions are expected to be slightly warmer.
“For the Russian Grand Prix, Pirelli will nominate the P Zero Yellow soft and P Zero Red supersoft: a combination that should cope well with the wide range of corners and smooth surface offered by Sochi, hosting a grand prix for only the second time.
“All these nominations are the same as they were for the corresponding races in 2014, apart from Russia, which is a step softer. The asphalt has not changed significantly since its debut last year, and looking at the data from 2014, a softer step is possible.”
The use of the soft and medium tires in Russia last year allowed drivers to comfortably stop just once due to the low levels of degradation. Nico Rosberg and Felipe Massa both pitted at the end of the very first lap, but were still able to make their medium tires last the remaining 52 laps.
