Video: Pirelli kicks off first 18-inch F1 tyre test at Paul Ricard

Pirelli started track testing its new 18-inch tyres at Paul Ricard on Thursday, releasing a short video of what the new rubber looks like on an F1 car.

The Italian manufacturer is putting the 2021-spec tyres through their paces during thsi week's two-day test, using a mule car supplied by Renault and entrusted to reserve driver Sergey Sirotkin.

The Russian will share the track with Mercedes reserve driver Esteban Ocon, although the Frenchman will devote his time to Pirelli's 2020 tyres.

"It is the real first test with 18-inches tyres in a modified car, a new car," said Pirelli motorsport boss Mario Isola, quoted by RaceFans.net.

"So everything is new and there is a lot of question marks. But it’s important for us to start in September because at least we have time to react if we find any behaviour that was not predicted by our simulation."

Sirotkin added: "It will be something, new, something interesting and we are all very excited about it."

While the new specification tyre will make its entry into F1 in 2021, the FIA Formula 2 Championship will rely on 18-inch wheels as soon as next year.

In addition to Renault, McLaren and Mercedes will also supply mule cars to Pirelli's development programme which will continue at Paul Ricard with the Woking-based outfit in October, and with the Silver Arrows squad in December.

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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.