Pirelli concludes 18-inch tyre tests

Mercedes testing the 18 inch tyres — Photo: © LAT Images

Pirelli

Pirelli concludes 18-inch tyre tests

The new tyres are ready for next season

Ewan Gale

Tuesday 19 October 2021 15:30

Pirelli has completed its final test for next year's 2022 18-inch tyres with a wet test session at Paul Ricard.

Alpine and the team's reserve driver Daniil Kvyat ran on an artificially-wetted surface to conclude the test schedule for this year in a session added after the original test at Magny-Cours was shortened due to a technical issue.

Across this season, 19 drivers have tested the new, low-profile tyres with 15 of the participants in competition this season.

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There will be additional testing next season when the new-for-2022 F1 cars are ready, where the information gathered with the radically altered formula will be more representative for tyre performance.

"With this latest wet test we finally close our development schedule for the new 18-inch tyres," said Pirelli F1 boss Mario Isola.

"Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic meant that we had to revise our test programme entirely, cancelling on-track testing to concentrate on simulation as well as virtual development and modelling.

"This system of virtual screening helped us optimise the number of physical prototypes produced and return to on-track testing for 28 days throughout 2021.

"We started off the development process with the profile, before moving onto the base construction, and finally homing in on the five compounds that we will homologate for next year.

"The results obtained up to now have been arrived at with the input of the drivers currently competing in the championship, a vital aspect for us, albeit using mule cars.

"Next year, we will still have some test days at our disposal, which will allow us to fine-tune the 2022 tyre with the new cars if needed.

"Once the specification has been validated by the FIA, the drivers will have the chance to try out the definitive 18-inch tyres at the test after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, although we will have to wait for next year’s pre-season tests to see these tyres in action on the 2022 cars for the first time."