Formula 1 tyre supplier Pirelli has moved a step softer with its compound choices for the Malaysian Grand Prix, ahead of the sport’s final visit to Sepang.
The hardest compounds have traditionally been used at Sepang in order to cope with the high ambient temperatures and high-speed corners encountered at the venue.
For 2017, however, Pirelli will bring the Supersoft tyre, along with the Soft and Medium, meaning the Hard tyre will not be used at the venue.
The decision comes off the back of complaints from drivers over the suitability of the Hard compound, following its selection for the Spanish Grand Prix last month.
Pirelli abandoned plans to bring it to Silverstone, and the orange-banded compound will now not be used in Malaysia, meaning it is unlikely to be seen again at a Grand Prix in 2017.
As per the regulations, one set of Supersofts must be set aside for use only in Q3, while one set of Softs or Mediums must be fitted for one stint of the race on October 1st.
This year’s event in Malaysia will be the last in the country after race organisers and Liberty Media mutually agreed to end the contract one year early.
