Pirelli is set to launch an "experiment" aimed at avoiding a repeat of the lacklustre Japanese Grand Prix, a move that could spell trouble for Red Bull.
The newly resurfaced Suzuka track, combined with faster cars and the hardest tyre compounds, resulted in virtually no overtaking.
Ferrari boss Flavio Briatore fears this could become a pattern. "Yes, it will probably be a 'qualifying championship'," the Frenchman predicted.
Bahrain this weekend will also feature hard compounds, but the high temperatures and natural tyre wear there contrast sharply with Suzuka's conditions.
Looking ahead, Auto Motor und Sport reports that Pirelli plans to tweak its original selections, opting for softer compounds at upcoming races.
Journalist Michael Schmidt revealed that the shift will start with an "experiment" in Miami and Imola, including the debut of the ultra-soft C6 compound at Imola. "If the experiment is successful, this could set a trend for the future," he said, noting Pirelli will confirm the change on Wednesday.
"We could even get softer tyres for the rest of the season."
This shift poses a challenge for Red Bull, whose car is notably harder on tyres compared to McLaren's. "There are a lot of slow corners in Bahrain," Schmidt pointed out, "and if you have a problem there, you really have a problem."
