Bridgestone will introduce a softer compound intermediate tyre at next month's Monaco Grand Prix, as the Japanese tyre supplier looks to claw back some of the cars' wet-weather performance lost by the reduction in downforce. Bridgestone usually brings a softer compound intermediate to the Monaco Grand Prix each year, but this time around, the softer compound will be used for the remaining of the season.

The softer compound will allow the drivers to retain tyre temperature and thus performance with greater ease, while the reduction in downforce this year will mean the tyre's wear rate will not be adversely affected.

Bridgestone also confirmed the tyre allocations for the next four rounds of the championship, announcing that the usual separation of two between compounds will not apply at the Monaco Grand Prix in late-May. Instead of bringing the super-soft and medium compounds, Bridgestone will instead bring the super-soft and soft slicks, due to the unique challenges of the prestigious street race.

The means of distinguishing between the softer and harder compound will continue to be with a green band around the shoulder of the softer compound, despite much criticism in the opening races that the colour of the bands were difficult to see in certain lighting. A lighter green colour is planned to be used in future races to make the bands easier to see from on-board and out-board shots.

Hirohide Hamashima, Bridgestone (Director of Motorsport Tyre Development):
“Our allocations for the next four races from Monaco onwards are based on the data we have collected so far this season, and the extensive knowledge we have of the race venues we visit. In Monaco, there is a change to our allocation philosophy due to the unique characteristics of this smooth and slippery track. This means we will bring the super soft and soft tyres, which are next to each other in terms of softness, and also both from our low temperature working range family. Our new intermediate tyre compound will debut at Monaco and we will use this for the rest of the season. It is a softer compound and will allow more mechanical grip, however the lower downforce from the latest cars means that it is still more of a challenge driving in the wet than before. This season, it is interesting watching the teams and drivers develop their knowledge of how to use our latest tyres and there is still much to learn.”

Tyre compound allocations for the forthcoming rounds of the championship:
Spain: Soft & Hard
Monaco: Super-soft & Soft
Turkey: Soft & Hard
Britain: Soft & Hard
Germany: Super-soft & Medium