Max Verstappen starts the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix from pole position, but strategy could prove to be an important factor in his chances of claiming victory. Pirelli have outlined the range of strategy options available to the teams and drivers ahead of the race, with a two-stop plan thought to be the fastest should the event remain completely dry. The Soft/Hard/Hard strategy is the favoured choice, according to the tyre manufacturer, though those at the back end of the grid may reverse this with a Hard/Hard/Soft plan. In terms of the first tyre change window, this could open between Laps 13 and 18, with the second between Laps 37 and 43. An alternative two-stop strategy would involve running Soft/Hard/Soft, via a first stop between Laps 15 and 20 and a second between Laps 46 and 51. A three-stop plan – which was the choice of almost everyone at the 2022 Spanish Grand Prix – would involve a Soft/Hard/Soft/Soft order, with a first stop between Laps 10 and 15. This more aggressive option may be preferred by those who have been able to save a set of new Soft tyres.
Isola acknowledges risk of rain
Pirelli boss Mario Isola praised Saturday's "very exciting" qualifying as he looked ahead to the role that strategy may play in Sunday's race. "From what we have seen so far, race strategy would seem to match our predictions, with a two-stop race being a better bet than a three-stop, while the best tyre to race on is the Hard, the new C1 introduced at the start of this year," Isola explained. "A further consideration is the long run down to the first corner, so choosing the Softs for the start could be the way to go, because it offers extra grip off the line. " However, with a chance of rain falling during the Spanish Grand Prix, Isola admits that these strategy choices could see some changes. "Having said that, these options could be academic as Meteo France is predicting a 60% chance of rain from 15 tomorrow…" he added.
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