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Pirelli's Mario Isola predicts that the fastest strategy for the Belgian Grand Prix will be a two-stop. The Italian tyre manufacturer is bringing the ultra-soft compound to the high-speed track, which may suffer through the heavy loaded corners such as Eau Rouge, Pouhon and Blanchimont.
Isola admits that trying to work out the exact right strategy at Spa is very difficult, as many factors such as rain and safety cars can interrupt a plan that has been laid out by strategists. Isola referred to the recent Spa 24 hours, which showcased all the famous circuit has to offer.
"Pirelli was racing at Spa for the 24 Hours last month, which showcased everything this circuit is famous for: changeable weather, unpredictable competition, and heavy demands on the tyres. Now that we are bringing the ultrasoft tyre there for Formula 1, we would expect those demands to increase further with the latest generation of cars.
"Two stops would appear to be a likely strategy but we will know more after the first free practice sessions. Working out the optimal race strategy is especially tricky at Spa as it has to be flexible: the possibility of rain, safety cars, or even a red flag – as we saw last year – means that teams often have to react to changing circumstances rather than follow a fixed plan."
| Driver | Soft | Super Soft | Ultra Soft |
| 44. Hamilton | 4 | 3 | 6 |
| 77. Bottas | 3 | 4 | 6 |
| 3. Ricciardo | 1 | 3 | 9 |
| 33. Verstappen | 1 | 3 | 9 |
| 5. Vettel | 3 | 3 | 7 |
| 7. Raikkonen | 3 | 3 | 7 |
| 11. Perez | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| 31. Ocon | 3 | 4 | 6 |
| 18. Stroll | 1 | 5 | 7 |
| 19. Massa | 1 | 5 | 7 |
| 2. Vandoorne | 1 | 3 | 9 |
| 14. Alonso | 2 | 2 | 9 |
| 26. Kvyat | 2 | 3 | 8 |
| 55. Sainz | 2 | 3 | 9 |
| 8. Grosjean | 3 | 4 | 6 |
| 20. Magnussen | 4 | 3 | 6 |
| 27. Hülkenberg | 2 | 3 | 8 |
| 30. Palmer | 2 | 3 | 8 |
| 9. Ericsson | 3 | 3 | 7 |
| 94. Wehrlein | 2 | 4 | 7 |
Fergal Walsh
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Posts: 1,804
Still think its crazy the US tyre has been brought to Spa