I run a stint on the softest available compound with a performance bonus from practice , run them on the standard tyre and engine settings , if they gain places it ' s a bonus , but I don ' t let them get bogged down in battling . I run longer than all the cars in front and build a gap on my still decent tyres until I swap for the harder compound and generally try to run those to the end , with a couple of fuel stops . I overfuel slightly to let my driver ' s push , as they generally gain more time through being able to turn the engine up than they lose from the extra weight . It also gives me options if I need to hold track position keeping a soft shod car behind you on mediums when you know he has to pit again is more beneficial if you can avoid shredding the tyres doing so . Both started from the back , and I made a blunder on Rodrigues ' s fuel early on rrn