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All F1 teams to create mule cars for testing 2021 18-inch tyres

All F1 teams to create mule cars for testing 2021 18-inch tyres

26-01-2020 15:38
4

Bevan Youl

Piirelli motorsport boss Mario Isola has confirmed that all 10 Formula 1 teams will create a mule car to test the proposed 18-inch tyres to be introduced in 2021 throughout 2020.

Testing began for the tyre manufacturer last year and throughout the upcoming season there will be 25 days of dedicated running as well as the post-race three-day test after the season ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
 
The mule cars that all ten teams will build are to be based on the 2020 designs with Isola feeling the fact they are all providing one leaves no advantages to anybody.

"We have a busy plan for this year," Isola told Autosport.

"It is very positive that all the 10 teams confirmed they are going to make a mule car for testing this year.

"Also because that means that in Abu Dhabi [at the] end of the season, we will have three days of testing and all the teams are supplying the car with 18-inch tyres.

"[That is] a good validation of the product that we are planning to introduce in 2021.

"Because Abu Dhabi is the end of November, beginning of December.

"So if there is any adjustment [needed], we have a bit of time. Not a lot because then Australia is the middle of March and the test in Barcelona is February.

"But we have a bit of time to react, if we need any small adjustments.

"It's very positive that we have all the 10 teams running the mule car so they are all on the same level - no advantages to anybody."

Throughout the 2020 season there will be no in-season testing, which is why the Abu Dhabi test has been extend to three days, compared to its regular two.