Pirelli all set to select 2020-spec tyres after final test

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Pirelli is set to nominate the tyre specifications that shall constitute its 2020 range of compounds after collecting additional data from a final test that took place at Barcelona this week.

The test involved F1's three front-running teams - Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes - which covered a total of 404 laps over two days.

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Sebastian Vettel and Alex Albon ran for their respective teams on Monday, completing respectively 145 and 115 laps, while Esteban Ocon took to the track for Mercedes on Tuesday, the Frenchman covering 144 laps during his final outing with the Silver Arrows squad.

"The aim of the test was to validate the latest specification of 13-inch 2020 tyres following the most recent guidelines agreed with the teams," said Pirelli motorsport director Mario Isola.

"We carried out plenty of running with the three top teams over two days, which enabled us to collect the data that we wanted.

"As a result, we are now in a position to nominate the 2020 specification."

Pirelli's new compounds will be sampled by all teams at the post-season test scheduled in Abu Dhabi in early 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.