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Pirelli boss learns a lesson: New tyres won't be tested during F1 race weekends

Pirelli boss learns a lesson: New tyres won't be tested during F1 race weekends

19-01-2020 08:06

Unlike last season, Pirelli will no longer test next year's Formula 1 tyres during a Grand Prix weekend. In a practice session ahead of the United States Grand Prix, the designs for the 2020 season were used. In the end, teams voted against using the new sets and will return to the 2019 rubbers for the coming season. 

Pirelli's CEO Mario Isola says the tyres will still be tested, but not during Grand Prix weekends. "But if we have to test a completely new tyre, that's probably the wrong way," Isola explained to Motorsport-total. 

Not the ideal situation 

Isola goes on to say he believes the conditions aren't perfect during Friday practice with the track remaining green. He also thinks the teams have too much on their minds to deal with new tyres for long enough. 

"If they are focused on their race weekend, they have to adjust the car for the weekend and sometimes test new parts. Moreover, the track is always evolving. So if we want to make a comparison between the new tire and the starting point, that is to practice a lot for three hours," Isola said. 

"They can adjust the car, we can make real comparisons. Long runs, short runs, different circumstances, crashes, pressure and other things," the Italian concludes.