Paul Hembery says the new rear compound tyres supplied by Pirelli are helping produce quicker lap times this year.
Pre-season testing saw Nico Rosberg post a fastest lap which was some 2.5s quicker than Lewis Hamilton’s pole position time from last year’s Spanish Grand Prix. While car development and power unit improvements are the main cause for the increased pace, Hembery says the 2015 Pirelli tyres are also helping drivers set quicker times.
“Our fifth season of Formula One gets underway in Australia: one of the most exciting races of the year as it’s the start of a new season held at a venue that is always extremely challenging, popular and unpredictable,” Hembery said. “Just like last year, we’ve nominated the medium and soft compounds, which cover the very wide range of usage conditions that are possible in Melbourne.
“The new rear structure increases traction and helps drivers get onto the power earlier: one of the factors that has led to faster lap times this year. As always at the start of the season, there are big question marks about the pecking order and relative performance of the cars. All we know for sure is that performance will inevitably increase still further during the course of the year, which will naturally have an effect on the interaction between the cars and the tyres.
“The behaviour of the tyres was in line with our expectations during pre-season testing, but of course you cannot really compare testing to real racing, with drivers pushing to the limit. That’s why this weekend in Melbourne is so eagerly anticipated by everyone.”
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