In what way do practice sessions contribute to race strategy?

Practice sessions play a crucial role in developing race strategy primarily by helping teams and drivers assess tire durability. During these sessions, teams can gather data on how different tire compounds perform over a set distance under various conditions. By understanding tire wear rates, grip levels, and performance consistency, teams can make informed decisions about tire selection for the race, plan pit stop strategies effectively, and optimize their race pace.

This assessment translates directly into strategic planning, as it allows teams to forecast how long a set of tires can last, when to pit for fresh tires, and how this timing can affect overall race position. Successfully managing tire durability can give drivers a competitive edge, contributing to more strategic overtaking and defending positions during the race.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary contributions of practice sessions to race strategy. For instance, while practice sessions may involve some vehicle tuning or setup adjustments, they do not replace a pit stop or directly relate to vehicle purchases or license maintenance.