Pirelli selects compounds for Madring debut
Pirelli supplies C2 as hard, C3 as medium and C4 as soft for the new Madring circuit. Drivers receive two hard sets, three medium sets and eight soft sets. Tyre management emerges as a key factor on the smooth surface during the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix weekend.
Tyre allocation confirmed for new Madrid venue
Pirelli nominates the C2 compound as the hard tyre, C3 as the medium and C4 as the soft for the Madring circuit debut at the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix.[1]
Drivers receive two sets of the hard tyre, three sets of the medium tyre and eight sets of the soft tyre. An additional set of softs is reserved for those reaching Q3.[1]
The selection draws from simulations rather than prior race data at the venue. Pirelli assessed tyre loads as comparable to those at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps.[2]
Surface characteristics shape strategy outlook
The asphalt at Madring is described as very smooth, which reduces initial grip levels. Pirelli notes that tyre management will feature prominently because of this surface property.[1]
All drivers must use at least two different slick compounds in the race if conditions remain dry. Intermediate and full wet tyres remain available as required.[1]
Related reading
- [1]What tyres will the teams and drivers have for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix? (formula1). Accessed 2026-09-09.
- [2]Tyre compounds selected for Zandvoort, Monza and Madrid (pirelli). Accessed 2026-09-09.