Bridgestone on the attack in Hungary

So far this season the Japanese tyre maker has won 10 of the 12 races held - and every one since the Monaco GP in May.

Tyres always play a big part in deciding the outcome of the Hungarian GP because of the difficulty to pull off overtaking moves at the track. That means tyres soft enough to clinch a good qualifying position are essential, but the drivers also need consistent rubber for the long and gruelling race.

"The smoothness of the surface and the fact that the track is extra slippery because it is rarely used means grip is paramount at the Hungaroring," said Bridgestone motorsport's technical manager Hisao Suganuma. "Normally this would lead us to a soft compound. However, the high ambient and track temperatures mean there is some disadvantage in terms of heat durability.

"We have concentrated our development recently on finding an answer to the apparent incompatibility of grip versus heat durability. One of our specifications can be classed as an attacking tyre with high grip levels; the other may offer a slightly more consistent performance."