Formula One’s official tyre supplier Pirelli has announced the compounds it will bring to the next four races, including a change from last year's selection for Monza.
Having used the two softest P Zero tyres since Monaco, F1 teams will switch to the two hardest compounds in the Italian range to meet the demands of Silverstone. With fast corners like Copse and flowing sections like Maggotts and Becketts, the Northamptonshire venue “puts plenty of energy through the tyres”, according to Pirelli.
Although the following three events will see cars shod with the yellow walled P Zero soft tyres and the white mediums, the rationale behind each nomination is different.
Budapest’s traditionally high temperatures in late July led Pirelli to opt for compounds that will “provide resistance to thermal degradation”, while Spa-Francorchamps and its 7km lap - the longest on the F1 calendar - called for rubber delivering “consistent performance”.
As for its home race, the Italian manufacturer seeks to “open up interesting possibilities for race strategy” by bringing different tyres compounds compared to last year.
Indeed, Pirelli had nominated the two hardest tyres for Monza 12 months ago, with most of the field – including eventual race winner Lewis Hamilton – only stopping once during the grand prix.
Pirelli became Formula One’s sole supplier in 2011 and has entered the FIA-sanctioned tender in order to extend its relationship with the sport beyond 2016. But the Milan-based company will have to deal with a challenger in the form of Michelin after the French manufacturer recently announced its intention to go through with its own bid for 2017.
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