MILAN, Italy (March 12, 2012)—Pirelli Tyre S.p.A. has procured a 2010 Renault Formula 1 race car to be used in developing its F1 tires throughout the season and in years to come.
The acquired car will replace the 2009-vintage Toyota F1 car Pirelli used last year and in 2010 to develop the F1 race tires used last year and thus far in 2012. The acquisition cost was not disclosed.
Pirelli will appoint a test driver later this month.
Pirelli said it will adapt the Renault R30 to simulate the latest technical and aerodynamic regulations as it develops new tires for this season and beyond.
To ensure complete impartiality, the test team will be run by Pirelli with no team member connected to a current F1 team. Four to five tire tests are anticipated for this season, with the first coming up in May.
All of the teams may send one observer to each test, Pirelli said, although no data or other information about the test program will be supplied.