F1 teams face multiple strategy dilemma for Bahrain GP

F1 teams are facing multiple strategy options for the Bahrain Grand Prix, one week on from a drab race in Japan.

At Suzuka, track resurfacing and cold conditions meant tyre wear was not a factor. The race was a straightforward one-stopper, but seven days on in Bahrain, Pirelli is predicting a challenge.

The Sakhir circuit is one of the toughest of the season on tyres for multiple reasons, including a rough track surface which has never been resurfaced since it was laid in 2004. The heavy braking and traction zones also create heavy tyre wear.

The hot air temperatures of the Middle East are also a factor the teams must take into account, with Pirelli predicting a two-stop strategy will be the fastest way to complete the 57 laps - but, there are numerous two-stop options, creating a dilemma.

The prediction is for drivers to start on the C3 soft tyre before running to laps 10-16, then changing onto the C2 mediums, and stopping again around laps 32-38. 

Alternatively, starting on the softs, a driver could use the same opening stint, before changing to the hards for the middle stint, stopping on laps 33-39 for a blast on the mediums. 

Other ways include a medium-hard-medium strategy or the racy medium-hard-soft which could work if there is a late safety car restart.

The one-stopper, starting on the mediums until laps 22-28 is also an option. It is unlikely to be fancied due to the expected high levels of tyre wear.

In terms of tyres available, the leading contenders all have one new set of the hards, two new mediums and no new softs, with one exception.

That is reigning world champion Max Verstappen for Red Bull, with the Dutchman armed with two new sets of the hards and just one new medium. 

Click below to view the strategies and tyre sets available!