Pirelli seeks F1 tyre resolution with Canada ‘test’
Pirelli will test tyres during the practice session at the Canadian grand prix, the Formula One tyre supplier has announced. While the manufacturer had previously announced its intention to supply a new tyre range in Montreal, several teams, headed by Force India, held up the switch. Pirelli is now hoping to introduce the new P Zero F1 rubber at Silverstone for the British grand prix.
Pirelli has stated that the new tyres aim only “to prevent any instances of the tread detaching itself from the structure,” while the “performance and wear characteristics… will not be significantly different.” Ultimately, it seems clear that Pirelli hopes not to step down too far from its F1 goal of providing tyres suitable for strategic battles and “keeping up the spectacle,” which has led to increased overtaking over the duration of its supply deal.
The decision to test the new tyres in Canada appears to be a compromise following Pirelli’s controversial testing session with the Mercedes team in Barcelona following the Spanish grand prix. While Mercedes is to be investigated by the FIA over its role in the test, the pressure to prevent a repeat of the large number of pit stops in Spain appears to have put Pirelli in an awkward position. Should the F1 teams not unanimously approve the change of tyres after Montreal, the supplier will need the FIA to demand a change on safety grounds, a situation that Pirelli will want to avoid.
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- Division and indecision over Pirelli F1 tyres
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- Pirelli bows to F1 pressure with ‘new range’ to debut in Canada
- ‘We don’t make concessions to 1 or 2 teams’ – Paul Hembery interviewed
- ‘Too many’ pit stops at Spanish Grand Prix – Pirelli
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