F1 teams set to sample Pirelli 2021-spec tyre in FP2

Formula 1 teams are set to sample Pirelli's 2021 tyre during an upcoming FP2 session at either Bahrain or Abu Dhabi.

In the wake of a test conducted with teams during FP2 at Portimão, Pirelli set in stone its tyre specification for next season, complying with the FIA's homologation deadline of November 1.

"We tested the new prototypes in Portimao," said Pirelli F1 boss Mario Isola.

"And we made an analysis of the result of the test, collecting all the feedback from drivers, and all the telemetry data. It was a good validation, in difficult conditions, with a new track and so on. But we had a good result.

"We identified a prototype that is an improvement in our opinion compared to the current specification.

"All the prototypes we brought to Portimao had a higher level of integrity. What we were missing was the driveability and the performance of the tyres on track.

"So we supplied different tyres to the teams and identified a combination of a new front and a new rear that are an improvement, and we sent a request to the FIA for the homologation of the new prototypes."

However, not all teams had the opportunity to sample in Portugal the prototype tyre that Pirelli has nominated for 2021. The Italian manufacturer has therefore requested from the FIA that teams be offered a chance to run the definitive-spec tyre before the end of the season.

"This was the first time that we supplied different prototypes to different teams, in general in the past when we supplied prototypes it was two sets of the same one across all the teams and drivers.

"That means not all the drivers and teams tested the prototype that we decided to nominate for 2021.

"So we are in discussion with the FIA and the teams to test again the selected prototype in one of the next races."

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While Pirelli's compounds will remain the same in 2021, next year's tyre will feature a slightly different front profile according to Isola.

"With the rear we decided to keep the same profile because of the floor and all the issues that we can have when we fit a different profile," explained the Italian.

"But also on the rear we are using some elements that are different, and also materials that are different.

"The difference is not huge – we are going to validate a construction that is not a completely different product compared to this year, but in terms of integrity, the result we had from indoor testing was quite promising."

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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.