What are the new F1 tyres and why are they here?

The Circuit de Catalunya unofficial lap record has been obliterated in the second test, firstly by Daniel Ricciardo and secondly by Sebastian Vettel.

Both drivers set their times whilst running on the new pink-striped hypersoft tyres.

So what are the hypersoft tyres? Pirelli say that the hypersofts will be the "fastest tyres in Formula One history".

Another new compound, the superhard has also been introduced. The orange striped tyre is one step harder than the current hard tyres.

This brings the tally of different compounds to 9.

The hypersofts are expected to be used as a qualifying tyre, as they are not expected to be able to run for enough laps to make using them in the race worthwile.

The superhard on the other hand is expected to be used for very long runs on high tyre degredation circuits such as the Belgian circuit of Spa Francorchamps or the Circuit of the Americas in Austin.