Pirelli will test 18-inch tires with Lotus
Since its bid to return to F1, Pirelli has had only one dream: to adopt 18-inch tires in F1. The manufacturer will test such tires during the upcoming Silverstone tests with Lotus.
During its statement of intent in 2010, Pirelli did not hide its desire for such a change to be closer to the specifications of road car tires. This was in line with Michelin’s requirements for the same reasons.
But these requests had fallen on deaf ears, and Formula 1 still uses 13-inch rims, which are no longer used at all on production vehicles. However, Pirelli is not losing hope of making such a change and intends to prove its benefits to the teams. Paul Hembery, the head of competition at the Italian company, stated: « 13-inch tires are no longer relevant today for everyday drivers because even 18-inch tires are standard on vehicles these days. 18-inch tires would be a big step for Formula One, and many other categories use this size. There is therefore room to use even larger sizes in the future. »
The interest of such a change for Pirelli would be to test new solutions in order to transfer them to production vehicles: « To emphasize the role of F1 as a laboratory for future mobility solutions, we believe it would benefit everyone to take a serious look at the links between production vehicle tires and race cars: it’s a thought we’ve had since we introduced low-profile competition tires to the road in the 1970s. »
However, after a very complicated 2013 season in its relationships with its customer teams, Pirelli does not wish to force the issue and impose this change: « However, we wish to emphasize that this change is not something we are actively seeking to push as our role in Formula One is not to initiate changes. Instead, our role is to help teams and drivers get the most out of their equipment, regulations, and resources at their disposal, whatever they decide that may be. »
One of the main drawbacks of this size change is that it has a significant impact on the entire construction of the car, particularly on the suspension. At a time when more and more teams are struggling to survive, this represents an expense source that seems hardly acceptable to everyone, even if it would serve the legitimacy of the sport…
The rubber supplier also highlights the sacrifice it is willing to make: larger tires mean that the sidewall space on the tire will be smaller. This would reduce the brand’s visibility due to such a change, but it states that it accepts the consequences.
To plead its case, Pirelli will make test tires available to Lotus next week. Other teams will also be able to take a closer look at these new types of tires.
From our special correspondent in Silverstone
