Pirelli weighs entertainment factor in tyre choice for Austrian Grand Prix

From Silverstone, the Formula One circus can travel straight to Austria, where this weekend's race will be held on Red Bull Racing's home turf: the Red Bull Ring. Tyre supplier Pirelli has announced the tyre choices.

For the Austrian Grand Prix Pirelli has chosen to bring the three softest tyres in the spectrum: the C3, C4 and C5 compound. In doing so, the tyre manufacturer is making the same choice as for last year's second race held at the Red Bull Ring. The choice is partly motivated by the desire to provide a 'better show' for the audience, Pirelli said in a press release.

Choosing the softest compounds would increase tyre degradation and create more overtaking opportunities according to the supplier. Austria also hosts the second sprint weekend of the year, so there will be no shortage of entertainment this weekend.

"The asphalt at the Red Bull Ring offers reasonably low grip on a low-severity circuit, which makes it possible to bring the softest tyres in the range," explained Pirelli boss Mario Isola. "This helps us in putting the focus on entertainment, at a venue that has often delivered exciting races in the past."

Red Bull, McLaren, Alpine, and Williams will remain present after the Austrian Grand Prix as part of Pirelli's test programme for next year's tyres. McLaren and Williams will spend two days testing, the other two teams one day each.