Isola explains decision to move to harder compounds for Turkey

The Turkish Grand Prix returns to Formula 1 and that is another challenge for Pirelli. They will have to choose another set of tyres without having a lot of data. Pirelli will therefore choose the three hardest compounds.

The hardest Pirelli tires

As F1 returns to Turkey Pirelli must decide which tyres to use. However, with the last F1 race at the circuit being in 2011, the tyre company have very little data to make their decision with. As a result they have gone with the hardest three compounds which have tended to suit Mercedes.

"Turkey is yet another new venue on this fascinating 2020 Formula 1 calendar, and although it's a place that we've been to before, to all intents and purposes we can consider it as a brand new circuit for us: especially as we don 't have experience of the new asphalt," said Mario Isola in Pirelli's preview .

Saving tyres in Turkey

"For tyres, we expect Turkey to be a challenge in terms of energy loads, which is why we have shifted the allocations towards the harder compounds - just as we did in Portimao, even though the new asphalt might be less severe than we were expecting. As has often been the case this year, the information gathered in free practice will be absolutely crucial, in terms of assessing not only degradation, but especially wear on such a demanding layout."

Pirelli's top man is particularly interested in turn eight. "Of course, no mention of Istanbul Park would be complete without talking about Turn 8: which this year will probably be taken flat-out by the latest generation of high-downforce Formula 1 cars, increasing the loads on the tires accordingly. It's not going to be an easy race for them, so finding the right level of tire management will be critical," concluded Isola.