Pirelli aiming for less F1 tyre degradation in 2017

Testing of Pirelli’s wider 2017 Formula One tyres is scheduled to begin early next month, and although a 2017 car isn’t available for these tests, Pirelli expects they will nevertheless give a good indication of tyre performance. Speaking with Formula1.com, Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery shared that the tyre maker is aiming for much less tyre degradation next year, along with a wider operating window.

“We will have much less degradation in 2017 and tyres will, if we achieve what we are trying to achieve, have a wider operating window,” he told Formula1.com. “And yes, that in itself will take away some level of strategy, or at least variations between teams. Having said that, we will still try to achieve some level of degradation.”

Hembery also noted that we will see faster cars on the track next year. He said Pirelli expects a three to four second improvement in performance.