F1 teams to test Pirelli C4 variant in Mexico City

On Friday at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, F1 teams will have an opportunity to sample in free practice a variant C4 compound that Pirelli may introduce in 2024 if the test proves conclusive.

Each driver will have two sets of the new prototype tyre to use in FP1 or in FP2 in addition to their normal pre-defined allocation of compounds.

Pirelli will collect the data from Friday’s sessions and then analyse the information to decide whether or not to homologate the tyre for use in 2024.

As a reminder, Pirelli conducted a similar test at the Japanese Grand Prix last month with a variant of its C2 rubber, but the company ultimately decided to scrap the specification as it did not represent a significant improvement.

"In Mexico, we have a C4 with the idea to have a tyre the same performance as the current C4, but a wider working range and a bit better mechanical assistance," said Pirelli F1 boss Mario Isola, quoted by Motorsport.com. 

"With the C4, at some circuits, we had a bit of graining, so we want to reduce it. If the test is successful, the plan is to introduce the C4 for next year. Otherwise, we keep the one we have now."

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Pirelli typically evolves its tyres from one season to another to keep up with F1’s own evolution, especially regarding the ever-increasing load levels of its machines which the Italian manufacturer must factor into its product development for the following year.

However, Pirelli has said that it will carry over into 2024 its current specification of tyres before changing its product for 2025, when F1’s scheduled ban on tyre warmers comes into effect.

In the interim, Isola is confident that the current construction will meet F1’s load increase through the end of 2024, barring any new simulation data.

"If I look at the simulations we received in June, with the current construction we can cope with this level of load," Isola explained.

"But this year, for example, they have been able to achieve a higher level of performance or downforce compared to simulations earlier in the year.

"We are going to receive new simulations at the beginning of December, and obviously we will analyse them because they are probably more accurate compared to what we had in June."

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