TYRES

Formula One racing features a single tyre supplier, with all teams using identical Bridgestone rubber. The advantages of this (over multiple tyre suppliers) include closer racing and reduced testing and development costs.

At each Grand Prix every team is given access to two specifications of dry-weather tyre. Unless conditions are wet, drivers must use both specifications during the race. Special markings on the softer compound allow spectators to distinguish which tyre a driver is on.

Over the race weekend, each driver has access to 14 sets of dry-weather tyres, four sets of wet-weather and three sets of extreme-weather.

Teams are free to use wet- or extreme-weather tyres as they see fit during qualifying and the race. However, during the preceding practice sessions, they may only be used if the track has been declared wet by the race director. If a race is started behind the safety car due to heavy rain, the use of extreme-weather tyres is compulsory.

All tyres are given a bar code at the start of the weekend so that the FIA can closely monitor their use and ensure that no team is breaking regulations.