Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • European Rubber Journal
  • Plastics News
  • Tire Business
Subscribe
  • Login
  • Register
  • Subscribe
  • News
    • Best Places to Work
    • Rubber Division IEC
    • War in Ukraine
    • Automotive
    • Tire
    • Non-Tire
    • Suppliers
    • ITEC
    • Silicone
    • Online Exclusive
    • Latex
    • Technical Notebooks
    • Executive Action
    • Government/Legal
    • Opinion
    • Blogs
    • Sustainability
    • Products
    • Wacky World of Rubber
  • Airless Tires
  • Custom
    • Sponsored Content
    • White Papers
  • Resources
    • Directory
    • Classifieds & Mold Mart
  • Data
  • Events
    • RN Events
    • RN Livestreams/Webinars
    • Industry Events
    • Past Events
    • Rubber News M&A Live
    • Ask the Expert
    • Healthcare Elastomers Conference
    • Rubber In Automotive Conference
    • Women Breaking the Mold Networking Forum
  • Advertise
  • DIGITAL EDITION
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. News
October 21, 2016 02:00 AM

Pirelli designing tires for new Formula 1 regulations

Tire Business Report
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print
    Pirelli Tyre S.p.A.
    Pirelli Tyre S.p.A. has had to design and build wider tires to meet the new Formula 1 technical regulations for 2017.

    MONTE CARLO, Monaco—New Formula 1 technical regulations for 2017 calling for higher aerodynamic downforce means Pirelli Tyre S.p.A. has had to design and build wider tires, although the rim diameter will stay at 13 inches.

    The new spec tires are nearly 25 percent wider with the new fronts at 305/670-13, up from 245 millimeters, and the rears 405/670-13, up from 325 millimeters. They also weigh up to two to three pounds more, respectively, than the 2016 spec tires, according to Pirelli. The tire maker also will have to re-engineer the tires' structure to handle the increased downforce loading.

    Pirelli did not say how much it expects the development of the new dimensions will cost.

    Testing has started with a few teams modifying their 2016 cars with the higher downforce wings in an attempt to simulate the 2017 conditions. So far Scuderia Ferrari and Mercedes AMG Petronas have completed tests with the new tires for Pirelli.

    Pirelli has requested 25 days of such testing and requested the FIA provide a “mule” car—a recent vintage F1 car modified to meet the 2017 specs—for its own testing regime.

    The company said the technical change will affect the balance and aesthetics of the cars next year, which is the first year of Pirelli's latest three-year agreement in Formula 1.

    The tire maker noted that the new tires' contact patch will be optimized not only for size, but also shape.

    Formula 1 sanctioning body Federation International de l'Automobile (FIA) is sticking with the 13-inch rim diameter that's been the standard spec for the past several decades, despite Pirelli pitching a change to low-profile tires on 18-inch rims.

    Pirelli noted that the decision to allow more aerodynamic downforce was grounded in the FIA's desire for faster lap times. Wider tires also will help with higher cornering speeds through improved lateral grip and improved acceleration and braking, but the wider profile will present some aerodynamic disadvantage.

    Related Articles
    Pirelli reshuffles, draws up IPO
    Pirelli to boost light truck tire share in North America
    Pirelli highlights best of Formula 1 season
    Letter
    to the
    Editor

    Rubber News wants to hear from its readers. If you want to express your opinion on a story or issue, email your letter to Editor Bruce Meyer at [email protected].

    Most Popular
    1
    EV owners: OE tires falling drastically short of treadwear expectations
    2
    Wacker gets bullish on China with $100 million investment
    3
    80 years later, PPG silicas still driving tire performance
    4
    Canada funding efforts to cut tire-wear particle pollution
    5
    Rubber futures close low as demand in China slows
    SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    Get our newsletters

    Staying current is easy with Rubber News delivered straight to your inbox, free of charge.

    Subscribe Today

    Subscribe to Rubber News to get the best coverage and leading insights in the industry.

    SUBSCRIBE
    Connect with Us
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    MISSION

    To serve companies in the global rubber product industry by delivering news, industry insights, opinions and technical information.

    Contact Us

    2291 Riverfront Pkwy, Suite 1000
    Cuyahoga Falls,
    OH 44221

    Customer Service:
    877-320-1726

    Resources
    • About Us
    • Digital Edition
    • Staff
    • Advertise
    • Order Reprints
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    • Terms of Service
    • Careers
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Partner Sites
    • Tire Business
    • European Rubber Journal
    • Plastics News
    • Urethanes Technology
    • Automotive News
    • Crain Brands
    Copyright © 1996-2023. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • News
      • Best Places to Work
      • Rubber Division IEC
      • War in Ukraine
      • Automotive
      • Tire
      • Non-Tire
      • Suppliers
      • ITEC
      • Silicone
      • Online Exclusive
      • Latex
      • Technical Notebooks
      • Executive Action
      • Government/Legal
      • Opinion
      • Blogs
        • Products
        • Wacky World of Rubber
      • Sustainability
    • Airless Tires
    • Custom
      • Sponsored Content
      • White Papers
    • Resources
      • Directory
      • Classifieds & Mold Mart
    • Data
    • Events
      • RN Events
        • Healthcare Elastomers Conference
        • Rubber In Automotive Conference
        • Women Breaking the Mold Networking Forum
      • RN Livestreams/Webinars
      • Industry Events
      • Past Events
      • Rubber News M&A Live
      • Ask the Expert
    • Advertise
    • DIGITAL EDITION