Qualifying plays a determining role in the outcome of the race, even if in a different way to what happened in the past. It’s not so much grid position that holds the key – even if starting from pole and especially being first across the line at the end of the opening lap is crucial – but it is becoming ever more important to manage correctly the use of the six sets of tires – three Prime and three Option – that are available for qualifying and the race. Having four more new tires compared with one’s rivals makes a big difference, especially at tracks like Istanbul. In Barcelona, as was seen during winter testing, it will be the same story again.

A Third Place is Not Enough: There is Much To Do | Scuderia Ferrari