Tire strategy could have a role according to Ricciardo

The new Pirelli rubber choice rule in 2016 offers drivers and teams real freedom in the distribution of tire sets for each race weekend. With a view to Singapore, Ferrari had opted for a significantly different selection from Mercedes and Red Bull, favoring ultra-soft tires for the Marina Bay Circuit.

Choices which could have an impact on the strategies of the teams, and on the result of the event. “It can make a difference, confesses Daniel Ricciardo on the F1 website. It's very hot, the tires are under a lot of stress and there are a lot of slow corners, a lot of traction required and the rear tires can suffer so I think if you have too much of the softer tires you might run into some difficulties race. »

The system used by Pirelli for tire selection, well in advance of the races, remains, according to Ricciardo, a good idea for the benefit of the events. “It’s been very exciting this year to be able to use three compounds over a weekend and have to choose them months in advance.

Of course, if we could have chosen the tires this week, we probably all would have done something different. This can take on the aspects of a lottery, but it makes things a little more exciting and also conditions relays in a little more calculated trials. »

Ricciardo, just like Max Verstappen, best time in FP1 earlier in the day, will have two sets of soft tires available, four super-soft and seven ultra-soft.