SAKHIR, Bahrain - Teams face a choice between a one-stop and two-stop strategy in Bahrain. The dry desert heat, an abrasive track surface and several traction events around the lap means the rear tyres will take a battering over a race distance and high levels of degradation are expected. Those unable to protect the rear tyres will be forced onto a two-stop, although Pirelli's data also suggests that's the fastest approach.
A typical pit stop will see a car lose 24 seconds compared to those running at full speed on track, but the potential for overtaking in Bahrain will encourage teams to go for the two-stop approach.