Pirelli wants more pit stops and strategy for 2013

Pirelli announced at the beginning of October that all the components as well as the manufacturing method would be changed for all 2013 tires, except for the intermediate tires. Pirelli aims with this action to partially meet the teams’ expectations of improving tire durability. Partially because the application of these new components is expected to impact the aerodynamics of the cars, a key point in the 2013 regulations. This should therefore maintain the level of spectacle and unpredictability from the start of the 2012 season, particularly related to the tires.

However, this share of unforeseen events could be limited because the use of the 2013 prototypes during the first free practice session in Brazil constitutes an important source of information for Pirelli. According to Maurizio Boicchi, technical director at Pirelli, “The teams have sent us their initial feedback, which is very important because the first tests, usually in February, are conducted at very high temperatures, and sometimes do not allow enough usable data to be collected… It is also quite difficult to obtain clear information from the teams (in February), often 100% focused on the development of their car – They are more concerned with aerodynamics than tires.”

In addition to this valuable first feedback, Boicchi believes he has learned a lot from this past season, and as a result, teams will not have as much difficulty understanding the 2013 tires. This viewpoint is also shared by Sam Michael, McLaren’s sporting director: “Teams will have a better understanding of the tires next year.” Boicchi also highlights the progress made throughout the season on the phenomenon of wheel spinning (wheel slippage). This phenomenon is particularly harmful as it significantly increases surface temperature and promotes accelerated tire degradation. “This element has been increasingly well taken into account by the teams. During some free practice sessions, temperature mappings of the tire surface could be observed through infrared measurements at key points of the circuit. This was very important information for understanding wheel spinning, and it made a difference.”

Finally, Maurizio Boicchi emphasizes one of Pirelli’s objectives for the next season: “We wish to return in 2013 with more aggressive compounds in order to introduce more pit stops and strategy.”