Tag: Pirelli

Pirelli introducing new slicks for 2023’s faster F1 cars

Pirelli will introduce a new specification of slick tire from the British Grand Prix onwards in response to the increased level of performance Formula 1 cars are delivering in 2023. Lap times have been consistently faster in the opening five rounds …

Pirelli will introduce a new specification of slick tire from the British Grand Prix onwards in response to the increased level of performance Formula 1 cars are delivering in 2023.

Lap times have been consistently faster in the opening five rounds despite the change to the floor regulations that was expected to cost around half a second. Pole position at the Miami Grand Prix was some two seconds faster than a year ago, albeit aided by a new track surface, and Pirelli has been working on a new construction for its dry weather tires to better deal with future developments that will further increase speeds and downforce levels.

“We’ve seen how much more performance the 2023 cars have compared to last year throughout the opening races of this season, and that is thanks to the extraordinary pace of development shown by all 10 of the teams,” Pirelli head of motorsport Mario Isola said. “In Miami, for example, the pole time was nearly two seconds faster than last year, but the same sort of progress has been seen during races as well.

“Pirelli’s simulation work has always been aimed at not only supplying a product that hits the performance targets specified by stakeholders, but also anticipating any potential problems and reacting to them quickly.

“The new specification contains materials that we have already developed for 2024, which will make the tires more resistant without affecting any of the other technical parameters or their behavior on track. To allow all the teams to test the new construction on a level playing field, Pirelli will supply two extra tire sets per car to be used during FP1 and FP2 at the Spanish Grand Prix.”

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There are still five races to run before the new tires debut at Silverstone, including three straight weekends at Imola, Monaco and Barcelona followed by the Canadian Grand Prix in June and a trip to Austria at the start of July.

Pirelli had to request the change in tire specifications under the current technical regulations, with the update being approved by the FIA.

Tire tender launched for F1, F2 and F3 from 2025 onwards

The FIA has launched its tire tender for the period from 2025-2027 to cover the Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3 championships. Current supplier Pirelli is understood to be keen to continue as the sole tire supplier, but the current contract it …

The FIA has launched its tire tender for the period from 2025-2027 to cover the Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3 championships.

Current supplier Pirelli is understood to be keen to continue as the sole tire supplier, but the current contract it has to do so for the three series expires at the end of next season. There will be stability in terms of what is demanded of the chosen supplier, with F1 and the 10 teams agreeing on the same approach that is currently in place that demands “a wide working range, minimize overheating, and have low degradation whilst also creating the possibility for variation in strategy.”

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Pirelli has been the tire supplier to F1 since 2011 and also currently does so for both F2 and F3, with the new tender stating the same company must deliver tires to all three championships. When it comes to the top single-seater category, the FIA wants to see a focus on environmental sustainability.

“The tire dimensions will also be similar, following the successful introduction of 18in. rims in 2022 that ensure an element of relevance to road tire technology for the supplier. The tender will also require potential suppliers to supply an analysis of the environmental impact of the tires used in Formula 1, and the successful bid will need to demonstrate best practice and innovation when considering the complete life cycle of the tires.”

On top of the three-year period, the FIA says the tender includes an option for the 2028 season.

The technical specifications for the F1 tires have been finalized, but the FIA says those for F2 and F3 “will follow in the next two weeks,” suggesting a relatively wide window for potential suppliers to deliver their submissions.