Pirelli wants to use softer tires in 2012
Pirelli has completely changed the complexion of Formula 1 Grand Prix since the start of the season with the introduction of softer tires that last less than the Bridgestones. But the Italian manufacturer does not intend to stop there and could offer even softer tires to F1 teams in 2012.
Pirelli spent the entire year of 2009 developing tires for 2010. The tires offered to the teams were not as good as hoped because the Toyota TF109 was not completely similar to the single-seaters designed by the teams this season.
The Italian manufacturer therefore continued to work on its tires during the season to improve them. At the same time, it also worked on the tires for 2012, some of which were tested on Friday in Abu Dhabi during the free practice sessions. Paul Hembery, Pirelli’s motorsport director, revealed that the 2012 tires could be even softer than this season’s to give engineers and drivers a tough challenge.
«We can see that the number of pit stops has decreased. The drivers manage the tires better, the engineers are able to find better settings, and the learning about the tires continues. We must keep giving these guys some puzzles to solve still, » said Paul Hembery, quoted by Auto Motor und Sport.
According to the German publication, the 2012 hard tire could be the 2011 Medium, which was used this weekend in Abu Dhabi.
Hembery also revealed that Pirelli was looking for a solution with the teams to have a more recent car available for testing its tires – because the TF109 used in 2009 and 2010 is still quite far from the cars currently used by the 12 teams on the grid.
« The old Toyota (dating from 2009) already has its place in the museum. We asked the teams for a new way to test the tires. These single-seaters are constantly evolving and we must continue to keep pace with them in some way, » added Hembery.
