F1 tyre behaviour set to complicate Monaco Grand Prix qualifying

Pirelli believes the need to use at least two laps for tyre warm-up will cause Formula 1 drivers more traffic problems than usual during qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix

The Italian manufacturer has brought its softest compounds for the Monte Carlo event, but admitted after Thursday practice that even the ultra-soft could last the whole race due to the lack of degradation.

Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas said after practice that teams needed "a few" warm-up laps to get the tyres up to the right temperature.

With overtaking virtually impossible around the streets of the principality, finding the gaps to complete flying laps is set to prove very tricky for drivers, especially if they spend two laps warming up the tyres.

Pirelli F1 boss Mario Isola admitted that choosing the right time to complete a flyer will be key in Saturday's qualifying.

"Some teams were using the same system in Sochi, with what they call the preparation lap," said Isola.

"This is probably something they are going to do with qualifying.

"With an out-lap and a preparation lap they are 100% sure that the fast lap is with the front and the rear tyre at the right temperature, so they can push, and they can extract the maximum performance.

"It is also possible to push on the first lap. But probably not the right choice.

"This means that we will have more cars on track, and more traffic. So the choice of the right moment to set a lap time is very important."