Formula 1 tyre supplier Pirelli has outlined a variety of potential strategic options for the Chinese Grand Prix.
Pirelli has adopted a different approach for the third round of the season, nominating the Ultrasoft, Soft and Medium compounds – missing the Supersoft out.
As a result, the lead quartet on the grid – the Ferrari and Mercedes drivers – opted to negotiate Q2 on the Soft tyres, meaning they will start on the yellow-banded rubber, if dry conditions prevail.
However, Pirelli expects a one-stop Ultrasoft / Medium strategy to be the quickest way of dealing with the front-limited Shanghai circuit.
![Aston Martin managed its first race finish of 2026 with Fernando Alonso [behind] completing the distance](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Aston-Martin-Honda-Japanese-GP-120x86.webp)
Pirelli has advised an 18-lap stint on the Ultrasoft tyres – on which the remaining six of the top 10 drivers will start – before going to the end on Mediums.
Pirelli estimates that a two-stop strategy, running two 14-lap stints on Ultrasofts before fitting Mediums for the remainder of the race, is almost as quick.
It has highlighted a potential three-stop strategy (three 12-lap Ultrasoft stints followed by one on Mediums) as the next quickest option, with a Soft / Medium one-stop also viable.
![Aston Martin managed its first race finish of 2026 with Fernando Alonso [behind] completing the distance](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Aston-Martin-Honda-Japanese-GP-350x250.webp)
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