Pirelli takes the hardest compounds: 'Circuit has unique requirements'.

This weekend, the Portuguese Grand Prix will be held for the second time at the Portimao circuit. With this year's race taking place in spring rather than autumn, Pirelli chief Mario Isola believes the race could pose some new challenges.

Portimao is a relatively new circuit, but the big differences in altitude on the short track give it an old-school feel. Pirelli have chosen to bring the three hardest tyre sets to the Portuguese circuit, which means the C1 will be used for the first time this season.

New challenge in 2021

Isola looks back on the Pirelli website briefly back to last year's Grand Prix at the circuit. Back then, tyre management was very important according to the Italian. "But this year, with the possibility of different weather conditions and a track surface that might have evolved, it could be another challenge entirely," he says.

According to Pirelli, it makes sense to bring the hardest three tyres to Portugal. "This range has been selected to cope with the unique demands that this circuit puts through the tyre, exacerbated in the event of warmer weather," Isola informed. In 2020, the race was held in the autumn when it was cool and windy. In 2021 warmer temperatures and more sun are expected.

Other factors that play a role

"The new surface was the key factor determining low grip while in terms of tyre performance, warm-up and graining were two other relevant factors," concluded Isola.