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Pirelli boss: 'Then we can look at getting rid of the electric blankets'

Pirelli boss: 'Then we can look at getting rid of the electric blankets'

03-11-2021 15:29 Last update: 17:03
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GPblog.com

The new 18-inch tyres have been fully tested and are ready to return to Formula One next year. Pirelli boss Mario Isola told Auto, Motor und Sport more about the new tyres and their development, but he also mentioned that the removal of the electric blankets is still in the planning stages.

The development of the 18-inch tires required not only a lot of thought and insight, but also a lot of feedback from the drivers. Several teams have already tested the tyres and actually, they all seemed quite positive. Isola is also satisfied, especially since they had to start the production all the way from the beginning given the new size and other targets. Fortunately, there is still enough difference between the different compounds and overheating has been reduced.

"The tyres still have to degrade to some extent, so that during the race there are differences between the three compounds. Otherwise, everyone would just take the soft tire and run with it as long as possible. We have rethought the compounds so that we reduce overheating," said the Italian.

Removal of electric blankets is planned

Pirelli has also already talked about removing the electric blankets used to heat the tyres. Next year the temperatures will already change, as the front and rear tyres will be 70 degrees instead of the 100 at the front and 80 at the rear now. In 2023 it will only be 50 degrees. Because of this, they are slowly building it down and at some point they want to be able to remove the electric blankets.

"We're racing a new product next season on completely new cars that we haven't seen on the track before. 18-inch tires, no heated blankets, that would be too much in one step. The risk would be that a tire doesn't perform at the right level. Next year in February, March, we will know what cars we have."