Pirelli to test 18-inch tyres in Silverstone Formula 1 test

**ManFromMilan** · 4th July 2014, 19:02

Lotus will test with 18-inch tyres at next week's Formula 1 test at Silverstone as part of an experiment by Pirelli.

Following discussions about a change of tyre size for 2017, Pirelli has agreed to run a trial with the larger wheel and tyre size next Wednesday.

The aim is for the test to deliver a proper answer as to whether or not the look of the new tyres is an improvement over the current 13-inch tyres that have been used in recent years.

The tyres will be tested with Lotus's 2014 car.

Pirelli's head of R&D Maurizio Boiocchi said: "The tyre you will see next week is principally designed to demonstrate aesthetics rather than performance.

"But the speed of our reaction means that we would have a production-ready example within months if required.

"In the meantime, we look forward to hearing everybody's views about our latest concept and we hope that people enjoy seeing something out on track that is a little different."

PIRELLI NOT CONVINCED BY 18-INCH TYRES

Although Pirelli is planning the 18-inch trial, it is not convinced that F1's tyres should be that size in the future as it would prefer them slightly bigger.

Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery said: "If F1 wants to do something dramatic, then probably 19-inch is best.

"The reason for change should be because it adds something different to F1. With 18-inch, we do them on rally cars, and GT cars, and we should look to do something quite unique.

"But if the sport decides to stay with 13-inch that is for them to decide, not us."

CONSTRUCTION TWEAKS TO BE TESTED
Pirelli tyres

Pirelli is to evaluate some construction tweaks as well next week with a look to potential changes for 2015.

Hembery added: "We have been working particularly on the tread area because we see an area where perhaps we have a concentration of heat build-up.

"So we want to try to change what is going on in the centre of the tyre.

"We have seen this season that perhaps the hard tyre has been a little bit too conservative, but we will base our judgement on what we see at the end of the season because there could still be big jumps in performance from the cars.

"I am quite sure that there will be some minor changes [for 2015], maybe looking at working ranges as some have maybe been a little too high and 10-degrees out of kilter."

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/114808

**ManFromMilan** · 4th July 2014, 19:03

Would be very interesting to see the "new look" rubber on the cars.

**Ed Harley** · 4th July 2014, 19:07

Suspensions and just about everything else in chassis would need to be redesigned.

**Hornet** · 4th July 2014, 19:12

I think this is the right time to increase the wheel size. F1 way overdue for an update, low profile tires are the norm these days in luxury and high performance cars while F1 is 2 decades behind now.

Not sure if this is true or not, but this article stated that low profile tires warm up faster as well, and this is exactly what we need with tire warmers being banned. This article, written in 2010, suggested that low profile tires could allow the sport to get rid of tire warmer.

Tyre warm-up would be quicker, allowing the governing body to finally get rid of tyre warmers, something other single-seater categories did a long time ago to put more emphasis on driver skill.

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2010/04/0...-sense-for-f1/

Downside however is the cost as teams would need to redesign the suspension system. I think it would be exciting to watch, but not sure if the teams are willing to do that. But then again, they want to bring back active suspension anyway so something is going to change in the suspension system regardless

I hope it happens anyway

**Rob** · 4th July 2014, 19:39

If this happens, maybe getting ready for Michelin possible coming back.

**AfterLife** · 4th July 2014, 19:44

In 2030 13 inch tyres and traction control and active suspension will be back again and 18 inch tyres and DRS will be gone again.
in 2040 exhaust blown diffuser and mass damper will be back again and active suspension and traction control will be gone again.
In 2050 slick tyres, exhaust blown diffusers will be gone again and double diffuser will be back again.
In 2060 DRS and flexi floor will be back again but flexi wings and double diffuser will be gone again.
In 2140 we will be gone and

**SilverSpeed** · 4th July 2014, 21:27

You guys seen the youtube link for the new E sport championship?
Sound like electric toy cars lol.

**ManFromMilan** · 5th July 2014, 13:39

Originally Posted by Rob

If this happens, maybe getting ready for Michelin possible coming back.

Well they did say they will only be interested to come back if the tyres changed to 18 inch.

Maybe that could lead to a new tyre war and a more exciting F1.

**Rob** · 5th July 2014, 17:31

Originally Posted by ManFromMilan

Well they did say they will only be interested to come back if the tyres changed to 18 inch.

Maybe that could lead to a new tyre war and a more exciting F1.

lets hope so