Pirelli saw drivers struggling: 'Circuit was tricky all day'

It was not an easy day for the drivers on Friday. The Spa-Francorchamps circuit remained dry during free practice, but rain is constantly lurking. According to Pirelli chief Mario Isola it will remain so for the rest of the weekend.

"We experienced typically variable weather at Spa, and that seems set to remain the case for the rest of the weekend! If it rains, it will be important for teams to consider the crossover point from wet weather tyres to slicks and vice versa," Isola told the website of the tyre supplier.

Many drivers struggled at Spa due to the changing conditions Isola saw. "The track remained tricky all day and we saw drivers struggling to find a consistent lap time in these mixed conditions, which is why it’s also quite hard to get an idea of the true performance gaps at the moment."

Except for the rain tyres, all other types, including the intermediates, have been used by the teams on Friday. Rain is still expected in the Belgian Ardennes on Saturday and Sunday, making it even more difficult for the teams and drivers to set up the car properly.