Pirelli will color-code F1 race tires

In order to tell the six tires apart, each will carry its own distinct coloring on the Pirelli and P Zero logos affixed to the sidewall. Under the sport's rules, only two compounds of slick tire - known as the prime and the option - will be used for each race. In addition to this, intermediate and wet tires can be fitted if it rains.

The colors reflect the unique personality of each tire, enabling viewers to tell instantly not only which is the prime and the option tire, but also exactly which type of tire is fitted to each car.

The six colors are as follows: Wet - orange
Intermediate - light blue
Supersoft - red
Soft - yellow
Medium - white
Hard - silver

The wet tire is used in case of heavy rain, while the intermediate is for a damp or drying track. The supersoft provides plenty of speed at the expense of durability, while the soft tire lasts a bit longer but is still more biased towards performance. The medium tire is a balanced compromise, and the hard tire is the most durable of all. Seeing how the teams use the different characteristics of these tires as part of their strategy will provide a vivid spectacle this year, designed to please the crowds.

In order to make the differences between the prime and option tire more pronounced Pirelli's strategy is to offer a step of at least one compound between the tires nominated for each race. If the track conditions require it though, this strategy may be revised.

The prime and option tires for the first three grands prix of the year - Australia, Malaysia and China - will be hard and soft compounds, meaning that silver and yellow tires will be first to make an appearance in Melbourne.