Same Pirelli tyres for F1 and GP2 in 2011
20 August, 2010
Nick Heidfield at Mugello testing for Pirelli
Aug.19 (GMM) The tyres supplied to formula one teams next year will be in substantially the same specification as the ones raced in GP2, it has emerged. Nick Heidfeld on Wednesday completed a two-day test at the wheel of an unbranded Toyota TF109; billed as the first outing for new F1 supplier Pirelli’s 2011 prototypes.
But it has emerged that the tyres were in fact first tested on a Dallara GP2 car recently. The GP2 test in July, which took place at Paul Ricard, passed without much attention because it was not believed it had any connection with Pirelli’s new F1 foray.
Alongside Heidfeld at Mugello this week was Ben Hanley, a British driver who has been at the wheel of a 2011-specification GP2 car, also shod with Pirelli’s prototype tyres.
“We are on target and we come away from this test with lots of data to analyse, which is exactly the situation we hoped to be in,” said Pirelli’s motor racing boss Paul Hembery.
Meanwhile the next Pirelli tyre test will reportedly take place at Monza. Although earlier, it was believed the next test would take place at Jerez, but Finland’s Turun Sanomat said the outing will actually be at Monza, the high speed circuit that annually hosts the Italian grand prix.
Paul Ricard has also been mentioned as likely forthcoming Pirelli test venues. The next outing will take place next week.
Pirelli has also confirmed reports that all the current F1 teams will get their first taste of the 2011 tyres at a test in Abu Dhabi following November’s season ending race.
Related posts:
- Pirelli F1 tyre testing on the go at Mugello
- Heidfeld begins Pirelli F1 tyre testing
- Pirelli plays down bad reputation of past
- Pirelli F1 tyre tests begin later this month
- Pirelli set to appoint F1 test driver and car
Should help keep costs down and get GP2 drivers used to the F1 rubber – But I’m surprised that if GP2 cars can get enough heat into them F1 cars don’t destroy them.