Pirelli has justified its decision to introduce a 'super hard' compound into its range of 2018 tyres as insurance against next year's car development.
The Italian manufacturer, which has been Formula 1's exclusive supplier since 2011, introduced the superhard and hypersoft tyres at each end of its compound spectrum.
But F1 teams doubt the former will ever been seen in 2018.
"Quite simply, it's our insurance," Pirelli boss Mario Isola told Speed Week.
"Basically, we assume we will never use the super hard tyre. But it's still difficult for us to assess how quickly these new cars will be developed, and whether some corners could become critical."
"The hard tyre is enough on the circuits that put the tyres through a lot, but according to the regulations we may add another compound during the season. It's better to be safe than sorry," Isola added.
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Germany may be in the early stages of a Formula 1 comeback, with Stefano Domenicali…
MotoGP icon Valentino Rossi has thrown his support behind Kimi Antonelli, saying the teenager’s extraordinary…
Audi’s climb away from the back of the Formula 1 grid has been one of…
Hockenheim hosted its first F1 Grand Prix on this day in 1970, a race marked…
Alexander Rossi became the first driver to bring IndyCar’s future to life on Saturday, completing…
David Coulthard has delivered a pointed verdict on Formula 1’s 2026 rules revolution, declaring that…