Pirelli expects a one-stop strategy for the Baku race

F1 sole tyre supplier Pirelli predicts that a single stop strategy will be the preferred choice for the inaugural European GP in Baku. However, the circuit's characteristics mean teams have to be flexible through the race because the track characteristics means a high possibility of safety car and virtual safety car periods.

Pirelli brought the supersoft-soft-medium trio to Baku which proved too conservative. The medium compound has hardly been used so far as it is found unsuitable for the street circuit that offers very limited grip altogether. The softer compounds have also proven difficult to heat up, requiring careful warm-up procedures. Some teams, including Mercedes, opted for extra warm-up laps and many managed to squeeze out more than one qualifying lap from one single set as they showed little wear.

Pirelli's motorsport director Paul Hembery said the lack of grip was an issue for the drivers which meant an unusual number of mistakes in the all-important qualifying session.

“We saw an action-packed qualifying session, where the lack of experience and lack of grip on this new circuit was a key factor, causing a few surprises,” started Hembery.

“The supersoft was used from start to finish, but the fresh asphalt meant that there was little grip on offer, and the track was evolving all the time.

“As a result it was an exciting session, which suggests also that there could be a high probability of a safety car tomorrow, as we saw in the GP2 race earlier.”

“While a one-stop strategy is clearly the way forward, there are some good opportunities to have on this rapid circuit, which combines the unpredictability of a street circuit with the possibility to overtake and move up the field.”

Simulations have shown a one-stop strategy is the quickest way to approach the race in Baku. For those who start on supersoft, they have to stop on lap 22 and then switch to soft. For those who start on soft, the single stop is to be expected around lap 29.