Pirelli has started its 18-inch tyres testing program on Friday with Renault at Paul Ricard. The dimensions of the tyres will change in 2020, from 13 to 18-inches. The different constructions will be evaluated, according to reports.
The Italian manufacture had already made a first test with Lotus in 2014, but Pirelli has started the real development tests for the season 2020. Renault has modified a 2018 chassis to adapt to the tyres.
“We are ready. It is the real first test with 18-inches tyres in a modified car, a new car.” Pirelli head of car racing said.
“We start with a base. The tests will be mostly on construction. This is usually done when there is a new format and a new challenge. I do not know clearly what lies ahead.”
“We have already started testing in F2 with 18 inches. It’s going pretty well so we’re hoping for the same result.
Pirelli is not completely off the table since the F2 will adopt the 18-inch tyres in the 2020 season. Pirelli’s ambassador Jean Alesi has performed a demonstration with the new F2 equipped with18-inch tyres at Monza.
Pirelli’s tests programme includes two new two-day sessions this year with McLaren in October and Mercedes in December. The company will have a total of 25 test days in 2020.
And Isola hopes to have a first idea of the operation of the 18-inch tyres.
“I do not want to talk about a burn-in, because we’re going to have two days of testing and we have a pretty important programme. We want to test different solutions to get a better idea.” Isola said.
“We have the three sessions to understand the basics for next year and then we will have a whole season of development, next year, to finalise the tyres. This is a big challenge, as I have said many times, and we are happy and excited before starting this programme.” he added.
