Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsPirelli

Pirelli puts 2016 rubber to the road

Formula 1 tyre supplier Pirelli took the opportunity to gather some useful data on its provisional 2016 tyre compounds in this week's in-season test at the Red Bull Ring.

After Monday was washed out by damp weather, Mercedes, Ferrari and Toro Rosso put the prototype tyres to the task for to complete some constructive mileage and evaluation.

"It was a slightly frustrating beginning to the test in Austria, with rain wiping out the opening morning," said Pirelli Motorsport Director Paul Hembery. "However, some solid work was carried out from Tuesday afternoon onwards, with even some occasional glimpses of sunshine on Wednesday."

The FIA has initiated a tender process to determine a tyre supplier from 2017 to 2019, so Pirelli may very well go head-to-head with French manufacturer Michelin after its final year as F1's sole control tyre supplier in 2016.

"Many thanks to Ferrari, Mercedes and Toro Rosso, which volunteered to help us test some new materials for the 2016 season, now that there are no longer any official in-season dedicated tyre test days. The results we obtained will be very useful as we continue the development of our next generation of tyres."

Click here for pictures from the final day of in-season testing in Austria

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.