Spanish Grand Prix Preview
Tyres

The Spanish Grand Prix will see the debut of the Supersoft as the resurfaced track has allowed Pirelli to bring a softer set of tyres, adding the Soft and Medium to the available compounds rather than the usual Hard.
This new track surface will not only improve grip, but decrease wear and degradation. Due to this, Pirelli have decided to reduce the tread depth by 0.4mm which is said to have no effect on performance, but helps to control tyre temperature, although driver comments from FP2 highlight otherwise.
Click here to learn more on the effect of the resurfaced track during pre-season testing
Turn 3 and Turn 9 of the Spanish Grand Prix subjects the tyre to the most stress and energy, with these high speed corners working the Front left the hardest, often leading to graining. 
Infographics courtesy of Pirelli

‘This year, Barcelona isn?t exactly like going to a new circuit for the teams: but the changes to the surface are still significant enough to alter some of the track?s fundamental characteristics,’ explains Mario Isola, Head of Car Racing at Pirelli. ‘We too have made a change by reducing the tread depth on the slick tyres to reduce the risk of overheating, as we will also do for Paul Ricard and Silverstone, but it?s not a change that any of the drivers will notice in terms of performance or stint length. The teams already have some knowledge of the new asphalt from pre-season testing, but the weather ...