R4 – Tyre Selection

The Sakhir circuit boasts several layouts, with two different ones used for the races in 2010 and 2020, but the current one is 5.412 kilometres in length and features 15 corners, 9 to the right and 6 to the left.

The track is one of the toughest on the calendar when it comes to tyres, especially in the braking areas and when traction is required.
The aggregate used for the asphalt at the Bahrain International Circuit is still very abrasive despite it being quite old now.

Temperature will be a very important variable when it comes to tyre management at the fourth race of the year.
As was the case in Suzuka, the teams will have a choice of the three hardest compounds in Pirelli’s range.

The C1 (Hard), C2 (Medium) and the C3 (Soft), however, the Sakhir track characteristics and indeed the temperatures, will require a different approach to that adopted last week in Japan.

All the teams, will have a good baseline from which to start work, given that in the last week the circuit hosted the only pre-season test. Which means everyone will have plenty of data to work with when it comes to setting up the cars and choosing the best strategies for qualifying and the race.

Bahrain is the one Grand Prix where a two stop strategy would seem to be a given, and that was the case last year.
All drivers made at least two stops, whilst some even stopped three times.
The Soft and Hard tyres are the preferred compounds, with the vast majority opting to start on the C3.