F1 | Pirelli decides to postpone tests on 2021 prototypes
Pirelli has postponed tests on 2021 tyres until later in the season to develop furtherly the prototype before carrying track testing again
Pirelli is working to refine the current compound to meet the challenge of higher downforce levels in the next season. As tyre tests outside the races cannot be conducted, the Italian manufacturer aimed to run the 2021 prototype in the first 30 minutes of FP2 sessions, with all Formula 1 drivers obliged to participate in the testing. The first sessions were planned for the 70th Anniversary and the Spanish GP.
However, Pirelli did not conduct the Silverstone’s run to allow the teams to work more with the tyre races. Subsequently, the Spanish session was also cancelled.
Pirelli’s boss Mario Isola explained that, with more European races in the Calendar, there is more extra-time to develop the prototype before running track tests.
The plan was at the beginning to have some tests on prototypes in Silverstone 2 and in Barcelona, but we decided to postpone that for two reasons,” he affirmed.
“First, so we can evaluate a further step with the new prototypes. And second, it was possible because we have an extended European season, so it is also possible to consider other races after the middle of September to test prototypes. This is the plan from our side.”
The drawback is that the testing is now set to take place at tracks that Pirelli has limited familiarity with, namely the Nurburgring, Portimao and Imola. However, Isola says that can be overcome.
"We haven't discussed yet with our R&D department which are the circuits that are more representative,” claimed Isola, interviewed by Motorsport.com.
“I'm not very worried about the fact that we go to new tracks, because in any case, we have a baseline, that is the normal tyre they use for the weekend.
“So even if we don't have data before going on these tracks, for sure we will collect data during the weekend, and we can make a comparison with the prototypes.
“You are right to say that going on tracks that are like Barcelona, that we know very well, we have a lot of data, is better.
“But for me it's better that we take a bit of time to rethink the prototypes, and do something that is a slightly bigger step in the right direction.”
Pirelli postpones FP2 tests with 2021 #F1 tyres https://t.co/36bu1aBaDX
— Motorsport.com (@Motorsport) August 19, 2020
