Only two sets of the softer, red-walled alternate rubber will be made available to teams at World Wide Technology Raceway. They have been instructed to keep one set for the race and, unlike road and street courses, are banned from using them in qualifying.
This means they will only get one chance to evaluate them in Saturday practice before having to use them for a stint (at least two laps are mandated) in Sunday’s race.
The extra grip afforded will give drivers a boost in their quest for improving track position but their degradation will be key to a successful deployment in a racing situation.
“We're going back to an oval, which always produces some good racing,” said O’Ward. “This weekend, we have a different tyre and a different extra tyre, so I think that will keep everyone on their toes on strategy. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top.”
Source: Autosport