Iñaki Rueda explains strategy challenges for Austrian GP and Ferrari approach amid Sprint format

Iñaki Rueda, Head of Race Strategy and Sporting, explains the key strategy challenges ahead of the 2022 Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix and the Ferrari approach given the Sprint format for the Spielberg weekend. Here is the preview of the Austrian Grand Prix with Iñaki Rueda

Describe the characteristics of the Spielberg track.
Iñaki Rueda: “Spielberg has several straights, each of them featuring a DRS zone, making it the easiest venue of the year for overtaking. The middle section puts a lot of stress on the tyres as the corners come thick and fast, which leads to high degradation. Another characteristic of this track is the kerbs, which are very high, especially between turns 7 and 9, which poses a threat to wings and floors. This year, with the cars so near to the ground, the drivers will have to pay particular attention when riding them, to avoid damaging the car beyond repair”.

This will be the second Sprint weekend of the season. How does that affect the team’s approach to this race?
Iñaki Rueda: “The most significant aspect of the Sprint format is how little time there is to prepare, because there is only one free practice session prior to qualifying and the car configuration cannot be changed from the moment it takes to the track in Q1. The Saturday race is usually a not very spectacular procession, but the track characteristics and the greater number of points on offer this season, could lead to more overtaking than usual. So the Grand Prix starting grid could look quite different to Saturday’s”.

What are the challenges in terms of strategy at the Spielberg track?
Iñaki Rueda: “From a strategy point of view, Spielberg lends itself to a race with more than one stop, particularly as Pirelli is bringing its three softest compounds – C3, C4, C5. The inherently high degradation of these tyres, along with the ease of overtaking, could produce a photo-finish, of the sort we see in motorcycle racing at this track. I expect a lot of changes of position, including for the lead, all the way to the chequered flag”.

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