F1 | Russian GP – Pirelli, Isola: “One second between each compound”

At its debut on the Sochi circuit, the ultrasoft compound set a new record: Sebastian Vettel was the fastest with a time of 1m34.120s in FP2, eclipsing the previous track record of 1m35.337s set last year by Nico Rosberg in Q2. A further reduction in times is expected over the course of the weekend as the track evolves. Despite the greater grip compared to last year, the surface still remains slippery and with low degradation. FP2 was held in hot conditions, with temperatures in the afternoon of 27 degrees ambient and 42 on the asphalt.

MARIO ISOLA – CAR RACING MANAGER
“There is a difference of around one second between each compound, in line with the target we set at the start of the year. For qualifying and the race we expect the use of supersoft and ultrasoft mainly. Although the asphalt is slightly more abrasive than last year, as a result of the normal evolution of the track, it is still very smooth and slippery, which keeps the level of degradation low. We can therefore foresee a one-stop race, with a start on the ultrasoft and then a change to the supersoft."