Brawn anticipates French strategy challenge

The track is incredibly smooth, which allows teams to run much softer tyres than at most other circuits, although the anticipated high temperatures at the circuit could cause other problems for Ferrari, as its Bridgestone tyres have tended to be inferior than rival Michelin's in hot weather.

In addition to this, the track has undergone a number of changes from last year, with two hairpin corners being added to the track, which is likely to increase brake-wear, something that caused Ferrari problems in the recent French Grand Prix.

"The track is unique in that it has a very smooth surface unlike any other track we are allowed to test on," said Brawn. "As a result, wear rate is not really a problem, but we have to use a soft compound tyre to find enough grip and with the usual hot weather conditions and track temperatures, it can create other problems.

"Friday will certainly be a very busy day for us trying to estimate brake and tyre needs for the race, while the track surface will change a lot throughout the weekend which also has to be taken into consideration."

The changes to the track have resulted in the entrance to the pit lane being revised, which is yet another variable teams will have to take into account when determining their race strategy.

"We will also need to work on our pit stop strategy on Friday based on the new pit lane," said Brawn. "A three stop race could well be a faster option now."