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Tyre degradation below FIA target, says Pirelli

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Pirelli's 2017 tyre compounds are degrading less than initially targeted by the FIA, although the level of wear will likely increase along with aero loads as development takes hold.

The lower deg will likely see most teams favour Pirelli's Ultra-Soft rubber in this weekend's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, with Lewis Hamilton achieving a 25-lap run on the specific compound in yesterday's second free practice session.

"We have to consider the improvements of the cars," said Pirelli F1 boss Mario Isola.

"So more stress on the tyres means more degradation. If I look at the number of degradation now, we are below the [FIA] target letter.

"Looking at the expected degradation for the ultrasoft here, we should lose two seconds in nine laps, and we are not losing two seconds in nine laps, so we are below this number.

"But of course with the performance improvement of the cars, we will have a higher degradation."

The Italian manufacturer's executive added that there is no reason to believe that drivers won't be able to race hard, even on one-stop strategies.

"What is good is that the overheating is very limited, and this is an important factor which gives the drivers the ability to push on the tyres," he said.

"This is what we were looking for, we want to confirm, and we are happy that we have this feedback.

"We were having no comments of overheating, the level of grip seems to be quite good, because the laptime is saying that the performance improvement is very big.

"The target was to be five seconds per lap quicker compared to 2015, so I think that the target is achieved.

"We know that in qualifying if it is dry they will improve again, the delta laptime (with last year) will be again quicker, but how much quicker, it's difficult to predict at the moment."

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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.