Miami Grand Prix strategy: Rain to scupper plans?

F1 tyre supplier Pirelli has outlined the optimum strategy routes for the Miami Grand Prix.

Teams arrive with only one year of data after the inaugural running of the event last season and with cars having evolved over the winter.

Despite this, Italian manufacturer Pirelli has suggested a one-stop race will be the fastest, particularly by starting on the Medium compound before switching to Hards. For those who like variety, there is also a possibility of making a two-stop strategy work by switching to Softs late in the race.

But the Safety Car will likely play a part given the difficulty of the track surface and the street-track nature of the circuit - Bernd Maylander was called upon twice last year.

And the paddock will also be on the lookout for the expected rain which could throw an extra variable into the mix. Drivers are not obliged to run two different sets of the dry tyre compounds should Intermediates of Full Wets be used.

Anything can happen

Pirelli Head of Motorsport Mario Isola explained: "The data collected so far suggests that a one-stopper from Medium to Hard is the best theoretical way to run the race.

"The slight shortening of the pit lane opens up the possibility of a two-stopper, but we’ve also seen a bit of graining on the Softs over long runs.

"This is the case if the weather remains stable, but forecasts indicate that rain could come into play on Sunday, either before or during the race. And as everyone knows, if it rains, anything can happen."