1.5 second gap between the Medium and Soft compound tyre in Sochi

(Pirelli Motorsport Media)

This weekend Pirelli have the White walled Medium and Yellow marked Soft tyre compounds for the Russia Grand Prix in Sochi. A total of 6,752KM were covered across between the two tyre compounds with a total of 62 sets of the Medium compound tyre's were used while just 21 sets of the Soft compound tyre were used.

The total number of consecutive laps complete on one of the Soft compound tyre was 21, while 26 consecutive laps were completed on the Medium compound tyre. 

It has been suggested that due to the track surface which was only laid recently on the brand new Sochi circuit driver's could make just one pit-stop during the 53 lap race, It wil be interesting to see if any teams decide to go down this route.

Pirelli have confirmed that the time gap between the two tyre compounds is 1.5 seconds per lap. Speaking about today's running, Pirelli Motorsport director Paul Hembery stated:

'From what we can see of the first day of action in Russia we’re happy with our choices. The medium and soft tyres are the right choice for a new track. With turn three in particular the supersoft tyre may not have worked, but we’ll analyse all of this carefully after the grand prix. 

We’re seeing very low wear and degradation, which puts us on course for an average of two pit stops per car during the race. We’re also facing a high degree of track evolution, which is normal for a new circuit, and this may yet alter the overall picture of tyre behaviour. Because the circuit was so slippery there was a risk of graining today – which is always the case for a new track – but in the end this did not prove to be a major factor. We’ve got plenty of data to look at tonight and our understanding of the circuit has already improved.'

Mercedes Nico Rosberg set his fastest lap time of 1m 42.311s in Free Practice 2 on a brand new set of the P-Zero Medium compound tyre, while in the second session Lewis Hamilton set his fastest lap time of 1m 39.630s on a brand new set of the P-Zero Soft compound tyre.

© Ben Johnston 2014