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It’s the same tyre selection for
Hungary as it was for Germany (medium, soft, ultrasoft) and the two circuits
have some points in common – as well as many notable differences. The
Hungaroring is a constant series of twists and turns, a bit like the
Motordrom section in Hockenheim, but unlike Germany there’s no rest for the
tyres over the course of the relatively short Hungaroring lap – and no rest
for the drivers either…
THE CIRCUIT FROM A TYRE POINT OF VIEW
- Just like Germany, the notable feature in Hungary is the ‘gap’ in the tyre
nominations, with no supersoft nomination between soft and ultrasoft. The
medium is the hardest compound.
- This is the first time ultrasoft has ever been chosen for the tricky and
bumpy Hungaroring.
- Overtaking is notoriously difficult in Hungary, putting the emphasis on
qualifying well and finding an effective race strategy. Handling and agility
is more important than outright power.
- It's all about mechanical rather than aerodynamic grip, despite high
downforce levels.
- A one-stop supersoft-soft strategy was Sebastian Vettel’s winning option
last year (selected by the majority of drivers) in a race that was also
affected by an early safety car. |
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MARIO ISOLA - HEAD OF CAR
RACING
“After an exceptionally tough start to the year, Hungary marks the
traditional mid-season break, so the teams will be especially keen to finish
the first half of the year strongly. Hungary is often decided in qualifying,
so it’s going to be interesting to see the effect of the ultrasoft this year
and how it degrades on what is normally a hot surface, where the tyres are
constantly working. Understanding this, and how the ultrasoft relates to the
rest of the range that we have brought to the circuit, will be the key to
unlocking a successful race strategy. For the third time this year, we have
a ‘step’ between the nominated compounds: this means that there should be
quite an evenly spaced performance gap between all three tyres, allowing
different strategic options.”
WHAT’S NEW?
- The ultrasoft comes to Hungary for the very first time.
- The second in-season test of the year takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday
after the Hungarian Grand Prix. Toro Rosso will run a second car both days
for Pirelli’s 2019 tyre development programme. There was a test at the
Hungaroring in 2017 too, so the teams should have plenty of data on this
track.
- The ultrasoft tyre has been widely selected for the Hungarian Grand Prix:
Renault has made the most aggressive choice with 10 sets of ultrasoft for
each driver. |
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