06/07/2016
NEWS STORY
Pirelli has revealed details of its forthcoming test programme for its new wider tyres to be introduced in 2017.
A modified Ferrari SF15-T will undertake the first track tests of Pirelli’s 2017-specification Formula 1 tyres.
There will be two days of testing from 1-2 August at Fiorano, which will be artificially dampened in order to carry out tests with Cinturato intermediate and full wet tyres.
Then, from 3-4 August, Red Bull will test the new P Zero slick tyres at Mugello. In September, Mercedes will field at Paul Ricard the third of the modified 2015 cars (after Ferrari and Red Bull), which will allow Pirelli’s test and development programme agreed with the teams and the FIA to be completed.
The three teams testing will be obliged to share all the data gathered during these tests with the other teams for reasons of sporting equity.
Programme
In total, the testing and development of the 2017 tyres will take place over 10 sessions for a total of 24 days. Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes will be supplying the modified 2015 cars to a precise specification established by the FIA that simulates the performance anticipated for next year, principally including more downforce, a wider track and bigger tyres. Each team will undertake testing equivalent to seven days per car, as per the attached schedule, sharing the development programme equally. The three teams will then take to the track for a collective validation test in Abu Dhabi on 29 November, two days after the final grand prix of the season.
Circuits
Five circuits will host the Pirelli development programme. As well as Fiorano, Mugello, Paul Ricard and Abu Dhabi, there will be an additional test at Barcelona in October.
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Tyres |
| 1 | Aug 1/2 | Fiorano | Ferrari | Wets |
| 2 | Aug 3/4 | Mugello | Red Bull | Slicks |
| 3 | Sep 6/7 | Barcelona | Ferrari | Slicks |
| 4 | Sep 6/7/8 | Paul Ricard | Mercedes | Slicks |
| 5 | Sep 21/22 | Paul Ricard | Mercedes | Wets |
| 6 | Oct 12/13 | Barcelona | Mercedes | Slicks |
| 7 | Oct 14/15/16 | Abu Dhabi | Red Bull | Slicks |
| 8 | Nov 2/3 | Abu Dhabi | Red Bull | Wets |
| 9 | Nov 14/15/16 | Abu Dhabi | Ferrari | Slicks |
| 10 | Nov-29 | Abu Dhabi | All | Final Valid |
New Sizes
The front tyre grows in size by 60mm, going from 245 to 305mm. The rear tyre is 80mm bigger, going from 325 to 405mm. In total, the 2017 tyres will be 25% wider than the current specification: this applies to both the intermediates and full wets.
The full range of sizes for the slick tyres is:
305/670-13 at the front
405/670-13 at the back.
The Cinturato intermediates will have a diameter of 675mm while the Cinturato full wets will have a diameter of 680mm. The wheel rim size remains unaltered at 13 inches.
Regulations
The teams and the FIA have agreed with Pirelli on the need for a change to the sporting regulations regarding tyre testing this year. Tyre testing with 2012, 2013 or 2014-specification cars, using the current tyre size but with prototype materials and structures for 2017, has been taking place since May.
This programme, which began with Ferrari at Fiorano in May and continued in June with Red Bull at Paul Ricard, will carry on at the following venues:
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Tyres |
| 1 | July 12/13* | Silverstone | Mercedes | Slicks |
| 2 | Jul 16 | Fiorano | Ferrari | Inters & Wets |
| 3 | Jul 18/19 | Vallelunga | Red Bull | Slicks |
*during the official in-season test that is happening at the same time with all the teams.