Pirelli delays FP2 testing of 2021 prototype tyres

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Pirelli has deferred until later this year the testing of its 2021 prototype tyres which is scheduled to conduct in selected FP2 sessions.

This year's tyres are set to be retained for 2021, but Pirelli is seeking to improve its rubber to better suit F1's downforce levels.

The 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone and last weekend's Spanish Grand Prix at Barcelona were initially earmarked for FP2 testing, but the plan was dropped in the wake of several tyre failures encountered in the British Grand Prix.

F1 to trim downforce levels for 2021 to protect tyres

But F1's exclusive tyre supplier is planning to put its 2021 rubber through its paces in Friday's FP2 session at two yet-to-be-determined European venues in October.

However, Pirelli has limited data for tracks such as the Nürburgring, Portimão or Imola tht will host rounds of the F1 world championship this year.

"We haven't discussed yet with our R&D department which are the circuits that are more representative," said Isola, quoted by Motorsport.com.

"I'm not very worried about the fact that we go to new tracks, because in any case, we have a baseline, that is the normal tyre they use for the weekend.

"So even if we don't have data before going on these tracks, for sure we will collect data during the weekend, and we can make a comparison with the prototypes.

"You are right to say that going on tracks that are like Barcelona that we know very well, we have a lot of data, is better.

"But for me it's better that we take a bit of time to rethink the prototypes, and do something that is a slightly bigger step in the right direction."

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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.