F1 2016 Understanding weekend tire selection

Hatch · Sep 16, 2016

On a balanced set of tires that include SS,S, and M, I have 3 sets earmarked for the race. They are 1 of each compound. At least 1 of the 2 harder compounds must be used i.e. a soft or medium set in this case. If I want to run SS,S,S on a 2 stop strategy, where I do get an additional set of S compound? Must these be saved from qualifying? All tires marked for practice either used or unused must be returned correct?

In the case above I have SS and S for Q1, SS for Q2, and a SS for Q3. So if I run only one set of tires for Q1, then the remaining set would be new for the race?

Thanks for any help!

jonination · Sep 16, 2016

Short answer, yes. Just make sure you use the MANDATORY SS for Q3 since it'll be returned to manufacturer anyway. I typically use only one of the two provided tires in Q1 and the unused set is available during the race.