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Formula 1 to introduce new wet weather tyre at Imola

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Pirelli has developed a new and superior full-wet tyre for F1 that will be introduced at next May's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Last season, drivers were critical of Pirelli's wet weather product, insisting the tyre could not properly cope with extreme weather conditions.

"We need better rain tyres because I think the extremes are just slow and they can’t really carry a lot of water away," declared Red Bull's Max Verstappen after last year's rain-soaked Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

Read also: Pirelli to debut new tyre compound in Bahrain

In the meantime, following a comprehensive testing programme conducted by the Italian company with the help of various F1 teams, an improved compound and construction has been developed.

Following a meeting held on Tuesday in London by the Formula 1 Commission, it has been decided that the new wet weather tyre, which is "much more performant than the previous specification" according to the FIA, will be available from Imola.

The new wet weather rubber also does not require the use of tyre blankets.

Furthermore, the FIA has authorized teams to conduct additional wet weather testing with Pirelli in the third quarter of 2023 as part of the governing body's research into improving safety in extreme wet conditions.

The FIA's Technical Directive will enable the work to be undertaken outside of the Aerodynamic Testing Restrictions (ATR) limits and outside of the cost cap regulations.

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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.