The Austrian GP according to Pirelli

For the annual visit to the Red Bull Ring, the three softest compounds in the P Zero range were nominated: soft, supersoft and ultrasoft.

The Spielberg circuit is probably the closest F1 comes to rallying given the large changes in elevation and a sequence of fast, twisting corners. The weather in the area can also be quite unpredictable. Although the track returned to the F1 calendar in 2014, it has its roots in the 1969 Osterreichring, which gives the track an old-school style character.

THE CIRCUIT FROM THE TIRES' POINT OF VIEW:
The first two sectors are fast, with the last slower and more technical. The circuit tests a wide spectrum of tire capabilities, in terms of lateral and longitudinal load.
Consumption, degradation and temperatures are quite low, this is the reason for the softer compounds.
Judging the braking points is quite challenging, as several are uphill. The track surface in general has low grip and is not very abrasive, as well as being bumpy in places. Spielberg has the shortest lap time of the year, with just nine corners, so precision is key.

THE THREE COMPOUNDS NAMED:
Yellow soft: unusually, it is the hardest compound in the range, one of the mandatory sets
Red supersoft: another mandatory set, should play an important role in the race
Purple ultrasoft: definitely the most popular choice, up to nine named trains per machine

SO ONE YEAR AGO:
The one-stop strategy proved crucial to the victory, although it was affected by a safety car in the early stages. Nico Rosberg started on the supersofts and switched to the softs on lap 38 (of 71).
Best placing with alternative strategy: Pastor Maldonado seventh after starting 10th (promoted by grid penalty), starting on the soft and doing a long first stint.

PAUL HEMBERY, PIRELLI MOTORSPORT DIRECTOR:
“Austria is one of the most picturesque circuits in the championship. It is quite demanding in terms of mechanical grip and performance, which is why the ultra-soft ones have been largely chosen here. As a result, this time we could have a race with two pit stops, compared to the one stop last year."