Pirelli set to introduce new-spec tyre at British GP

Formula 1's exclusive tyre supplier Pirelli is set to introduce a new specification, stronger tyre at next July's British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Pirelli's move comes on the back of an increase of the performance levels of F1's 2023 cars that has exceeded expectations.

After last year's wholesale changes to F1's technical regulations, teams have started to develop away from the sport's ground-effect prescriptions, with engineers now extracting more and more downforce from their designs.

Considering the rate of F1's aero gains, Pirelli felt compelled to develop a more robust tyre structure that can cope with the increase in aero loads.

This year's performance games were highlighted last weekend in Miami where cars were nearly two seconds faster than in 2022, and the trend is set to continue as teams implement upgrades as the season unfolds, according to Pirelli F1 boss Mario Isola.

"We had a discussion at the end of last year, with the new regulations, that probably they are a bit slower and let's assume they were half a second slower because of the new regulations," the Italian said in Miami.

"But they are quicker because we have one year of development that we have to consider."

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After consulting with the FIA, Pirelli determined that in preparation for the demanding circuits ahead in the F1 calendar, including Silverstone, Spa, and Zandvoort, it is prudent to take proactive measures to prevent any potential tyre issues.

F1 teams are expected to test Pirelli's new tyre at an upcoming race weekend.

The formal approval process for the introduction of Pirelli's stronger tyre will be handled by the Formula 1 Commission, with a ratification done by the FIA's World Motorsport Council.

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