If you are like me when I started my GPRO career, you probably look at the tyre list and think, “Softs are faster, so I’ll just use Softs.”
I learned the hard way that this is the fastest way to finish 35th. In GPRO, speed isn’t just about compound; it’s about temperature windows. I’ve seen drivers with “slower” Medium tyres overtake my smoking Softs simply because the track was 35°C and my tyres were melting.
The Golden Rule of Temps Through trial and error (and reading way too many forum posts), I’ve found these general safe zones that usually work for Rookie/Amateur cars:
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Extra Softs (XS): Only touch these if it’s freezing (0°C – 15°C). Any hotter, and you’ll be pitting every 15 laps.
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Softs (S): The workhorse. Great for 15°C – 30°C.
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Mediums (M): My go-to for hot races (30°C – 40°C). They might feel slower in Qualifying, but they don’t fall off a cliff in the second half of a stint.
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Hards (H): Strictly for the oven (40°C+) or if you have a driver who eats tyres for breakfast.
The “Rain” Mistake Another thing I messed up early on: GPRO doesn’t do “damp” tracks. It’s binary. If it rains, the whole track is wet immediately. If it stops, it’s dry. Don’t try to be clever with “Intermediate” strategies. If there is a drop of rain, you need Rain tyres. Period.
My Advice: check the Race Forecast, not just the Qualifying weather. If the race is 10 degrees hotter than Qualifying, switch your compound!
Read more to know how to understand GPRO Driver feedback here.
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