Russian Grand Prix: Strategy Guide

Russian Grand Prix: Strategy Guide

Joas van Wingerden

Sunday 30 September 2018 10:30

With track position king at the Russian Grand Prix, strategy is likely to play a key role at the Sochi Autodrom. Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton will lead Ferrari pair Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen away from the front row of the grid, but can the red cars get in the mix?

The four leading cars will start the race on ultrasoft tyres, having set their fastest Q2 times on the more durable rubber, while the rest of the top 10 will start on the quicker, but much more brittle, hypersofts.

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That could put Renault in position for a double points haul from 11th and 12th on the grid, having decided to skip Q2 on Saturday in order to secure a free choice of tyres.

Pirelli, as ever, have filled us in on the quickest route to the finish line…

Race strategy for the #RussianGP: quickest strategy on paper is a one-stopper. Start on ultrasoft for 15 laps, then soft to the end. Almost as quick: start on hypersoft for 9 laps, then soft to the end (1/2) @SochiAutodrom — Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) September 30, 2018

A two-stopper is also possible, but slower. Start on hypersoft for 7 laps, then two 23-lap stints on soft. Or start on ultrasoft for 10 laps, then 21 laps on soft, and a final 22-lap stint on soft. (2/2) #RussianGP @SochiAutodrom — Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) September 30, 2018