Pirelli reveals 2017 Tyres
By Courtesy of Pirelli
May 29 2016
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Pirelli
reveals 2017 Tyres |
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Pirelli has
presented its new tyres in 2017 size in Monte Carlo. This is a significant
technical change that also has an effect on the balance and aesthetics of
the cars that will compete next year: the initial season of Pirelli’s latest
three-year agreement in Formula 1.
These are the key technical and regulatory points regarding the latest
tyres.
REGULATIONS. In 2017 there will be new technical rules that include a
significant increase in aerodynamic downforce. To fulfil the objectives of
improving lap times, in combination with the latest aerodynamic
modifications, the decision has been taken to have wider tyres and therefore
a wider track.
OBJECTIVES: Formula 1 would like to achieve a reduction in lap times of
around four seconds per lap as a result of these new regulations. A part of
this reduction will come from better performance from the tyres during
corners and under acceleration.
THE NEW SIZES: The front tyre, which is currently 245mm wide, will increase
to 305mm. The rear tyre will grow from 325mm to 405mm. So the new sizes for
slick tyres will be 305/670-13 at the front and 405/670-13 at the rear (the
total diameter will go from the current 660mm to 670mm). Wheel rim diameter
remains unchanged at 13 inches.
THE INCREASE: The new tyres are more than 60mm wider at the front and more
than 80mm wider at the back. Consequently, the 2017 tyre increases in width
by 25% compared to the current size. This is the case for all three types:
slicks, intermediates and full wet.
CONTACT PATCH: The contact patch (the area of tyre in contact with the
round, assuming equal tyre pressures) will be optimised not just in terms of
size, but also shape.
TESTING: Pirelli put forward the need to modify the sporting regulations
regarding tyre testing to the teams and the FIA. The resulting modification
now means that the following tyre tests can take place this year:
1.Tests with 2012, 2013 or 2014-specification cars, using tyres in the
current size but with prototype elements (in the constructions or compounds)
to prepare for 2017.
2. A total of 25 days of testing with modified cars, using prototype tyres
in 2017 size.
CALENDAR: The testing with 2012, 2013 and 2014-specification cars using
current tyre sizes already got underway in May and will continue throughout
the summer based on an agreement with the teams. The tests with tyres in
2017 size will start in early August, according to a programme that has been
agreed with the participating teams. |
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