Pirelli fear 2020 development rate could stress tyres

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Pirelli motorsport boss Mario Isola fears the F1 supplier's 2019 compounds could face overheating issues as cars sustain their development rate based on the sport's unchanged regulations.

Late last year, F1 teams unanimously rejected a switch to the 2020-spec tyres that Pirelli had developed over the course of last season, based on assessments of the rubber conducted in Austin and in Abu Dhabi, but also because adopting the new-spec tyres would have forced late design changes to the teams' 2020 contenders.

The decision means the field will be supplied with the same specification of tyres this season as in 2019. But evolution and development of this years' cars will ensure a lift in performance which Isola fears could result in tyre overheating concerns.

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"In a condition of consistent technical regulation, because the technical regulations for this year is no different compared to last year, the rate of development is measuring 1-second to 1.5s per lap," Isola explained, speaking to Motorsport.com

"In one season [that is] the improvement in laptime. So, I can expect that we have another step in 2020.

"That means some more downforce, that means more energy. Probably, if we have to predict something, it could be more overheating, maybe.

"[That could be] more of a thing because of the additional energy that is going into the tyre."

However, Isola reckons that the teams' advanced knowledge of Pirelli's tyres will eliminate warming-up issues that were encountered in 2019.

"If you remember at the beginning of the season, some teams were complaining about warm up and in some occasions, it was a bit difficult to warm up the tyres," he said.

"That is not going to be an issue for this year. They know the tyres, so the advantage compared to last year is that the learning curve on how to use a new product is already there.

"So there is no learning curve for the tyres this year."

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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.