Formula one tyre partner, Pirelli has announced which tyres they will bring for the F1 Sakhir Grand Prix (GP) on Bahrain's 'Outer Loop' circuit this weekend.
The second race of the season is to take place in Bahrain, however, this one takes place on an unfamiliar territory. The different configuration of the Bahrain International Circuit is going to make is challenging for the teams. According to Pirelli, Drivers will take less than a minute to complete a whole lap of the circuit at a predicted average speed of 230km/h which makes it challenging.
As seen in the Bahrain Grand Prix, the middle tyre compounds will be used for the F1 Sakhir GP that is the C2, C3, and C4 tyres. However, tyre pressures will be increased for the Sakhir GP.
"Perhaps the most interesting challenge will be the Sakhir Grand Prix, as it's not like any other circuit where we have raced before: even though it uses about half of the standard Grand Prix track," said Pirelli's head of F1 and car racing, Mario Isola.
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"While there's some simulation data already, we need to wait for real data from free practice to understand the exact effect on wear, degradation, and therefore strategy. On top of that, we're bringing tyres that are a step softer than last year, which open up more opportunities in terms of strategy."
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The tyres are a step softer than the ones that were used for the 2019 Bahrain Grand Prix, to avoid a one-stop contest. Unlike last weekend's Bahrain GP, no 2021 Pirelli tyres will be tested in practice for the Sakhir GP.
For the Formula 2 finale - being held this weekend in Bahrain - white-banded hard compounds will be used alongside red-banded soft compounds (rather than hards and mediums last weekend). An F2 test will be held after the F2 finale.
WATCH: Exclusive – Hot lap of Bahrain’s Outer Track layout that will be used for the Sakhir GP
