Pirelli announce compounds for first eight GPs – with different sets for the two Silverstone races

Pirelli have revealed the tyre compounds that will be used across the first eight races of the revised 2020 season – with the Italian company also revealing that they will alternate the tyre compound offerings across the two races to be held at Silverstone.

Pirelli revealed that six out of the first eight races – including the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix, to be held at Silverstone on August 9 – would see the drivers race on the middle three compounds in the Pirelli range, namely the C2, C3 and C4.

However, for both the Spanish Grand Prix and the British Grand Prix – held at Silverstone a week before the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix – the step harder C1, C2 and C3 tyres would be supplied providing, in the case of Silverstone, an interesting strategy conundrum for the teams.

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Speaking of the announcement of the compounds, Pirelli’s Head of F1 and Car Racing Mario Isola said: “With so many variables at the start of this delayed season, and a flexible calendar that doesn't leave much time to react to changing circumstances, it was agreed with the teams, the promoter and the FIA to announce the compound nominations for the first eight races this year all together.

“As usual, these compounds have been chosen to best match the characteristics of the individual circuit and provide interesting opportunities for race strategy.”

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The revised 2020 season will begin with a double header at the Red Bull Ring, with the Austrian Grand Prix on July 5 followed a week later by the Styrian Grand Prix, before the championship heads to Hungary for round three.