Pirelli Seeks 2011 Spec F1 Car to Continue Tyre Development

Pirelli is seeking the chance to test its Formula One tyre on a 2011 season specification model, in order to continue to refine its tyres for its first season as exclusive tyre supplier. The manufacturer has thus far run its development tyres on a 2009 Toyota, acquired from the team following its exit from the series at the end of that season.

The tyre supplier argues that continuing to test on a model two years out of date while teams’ 2011 models are launched is preferable. According to Italy’s Autosprint news source, Pirelli has rejected hybrid solutions offered by updating the 2009 Toyota. Understandably, the teams have questioned the fairness of using one team’s 2011 car for testing; the Formula One Teams Association is currently examining potential solutions to this problem.