Pirelli mulling tyre range increase for 2018

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Pirelli could add in 2018 another tyre to its current range of five compounds, with even softer rubber at the disposal of drivers next year.

The Italian manufacturer is in the process of finalising its tyre architectures for next season, with a September 1 deadline by which it must submit its 2018 specifications to the FIA.

The F1 tyre supplier will have however until the end of the year to define the exact compounds which will be on offer.

To do so, tests are scheduled at Paul Ricard with Mercedes in September, in Mexico City with Sauber and Force India on October 31 and November 1, and with McLaren in Brasil mid-November. Ferrari is also testing with Pirelli this week at Barcelona with Antonio Giovinazzi and Charles Leclerc.

"Depending on the results, we will decide the number of compounds," explained Pirelli F1 boss Mario Isola.

"My opinion is to go up to six, which is possible.

"If I look at the regulations the number of compounds is our proposal to the FIA, and usually the FIA accepts, because there is no reason to refuse.

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"In fact this year we homologated 10 compounds – we had the five base compounds, and five back-up compounds.

"We don't need the agreement of the teams. In Abu Dhabi after the race we have two days of testing with all the cars, and all the teams, which is supposed to be for validation of the new product, to give the teams the opportunity to test it in advance.

"So end of November we need to be ready with the final version of our 2018 tyres."

Pirelli's 2017 tyre compounds were mainly the result of some sophisticated simulation with regard to theoretic aerodynamic levels associated with the new -spec cars.

But with a wealth of track data now in its data base, tyre definition should result in more accurate compounds.

"Now we have much better data coming from each weekend, so we are already developing a new construction, a new profile, new ideas," said Isola.

"It will not be a revolution compared to this year, because we think we have a good product."

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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.