Ferrari's decision to start on soft tyres could pay off according to Pirelli, as they laid out the strategy options for the British Grand Prix.
Charles Leclerc made the interesting move to switch approaches during Q2 on Saturday, initially following Mercedes and Red Bull on mediums before going faster on the red-striped compound.
And as he prepares to start third on the grid, behind Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton, it could give an advantage he is keen to capitalise on.
"We did an audacious choice of tyre for the start, softer than our opponents," the Monegasque told Sky Sports. "I will give it everything and hopefully gain some positions in the first few corners.
"Seeing the race simulations I don't think there's much difference between the two tyres. I don't think it's night and day, to be honest.
"If we can overtake them at the start, we might have a chance."
During Friday practice, Mercedes had appeared the clear leaders over a long run but Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto explained the call to start on softs was to "add in another variable".
"We are well aware this will be a long race during which tyre wear will be a factor for everyone, but our hope is that we have found the right set-up to also allow us to go well over a long stint," he added.
Also Read:
- Leclerc feels passing Mercedes his only way of fighting for victory
- Hamilton not feeling championship or British GP record pressure
It is possible that by starting on the mediums, Mercedes and Red Bull could opt to one-stop by switching to the hard tyre, but because of the short pit-lane, Pirelli doesn't think it would work.
"The quickest strategy for the 52-lap race is a two-stopper, with a one-stopper practically ruled out," they said in a series of tweets.
"Best two-stopper goes like this: start on the soft, after 13 laps take a new set of softs for another 13-lap stint and finally hard to the finish.
"For those starting on medium, first stint on the medium for 15 laps, change to the soft for 13 laps, and finally hard to the end."
