Pirelli has launched its 2017 test program

Brand new tires will make their appearance in 2017, with a much greater width than the current situation, which should help to increase lap times. In order to be ready on time, Pirelli must carry out significant development work.

The first phase of his tests has already begun since Pastor Maldonado took the wheel of a GP2 single-seater but fitted with 2017 tires. The Venezuelan driver can thus bring his experience to the wheel of the latest generation hybrid single-seaters while being independent of any team. Paul Hembery explained in Sochi: « The first phase consists of work on V8 cars, probably until the end of July. We are going to work with the current size and develop new concepts in terms of material, physical capacity, and tire composition. »

The second phase was officially announced today by Pirelli, with tests using a 2014 Ferrari equipped with 2016 tires but with some structural elements planned for 2017. It is the Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne, the third driver for Scuderia, who is at the wheel on the Fiorano circuit, which belongs to Ferrari.

But the teams will have to wait until the first tests of 2017 to use their new tires because Pirelli cannot be ready for November: « There will be no end-of-season testing. We initially planned to be ready for November to provide the product to the teams. Now, it seems that the first time we will be able to use it with all the cars will be next year when we have defined the winter testing schedule. »