Pirelli , Formula 1’s only current tire supplier, is working to tweak the 2023 face tyres, focusing on a more robust design to help counter understeer in current cars.
Although they have already worked and privately tested with some individual teams so far this season and still have one more test scheduled with Red Bull after Monza, they want to test prototype versions of the 2023 design during an event.
Mario Isola , Pirelli’s Formula 1 director, has revealed that the second free practice sessions at Suzuka and Austin will last an additional 30 minutes to give the teams time to test the tyres.
If any of those sessions are affected by rain, FP2 of the Mexican Grand Prix will be used as an alternative option.
Speaking of the idea, Isola hopes that extending the length of the sessions will work to ensure teams can focus both on their preparations for the weekend and also on testing the 2023 prototype tyres.
“FP2 will be 90 minutes, not 60, so we have a little more flexibility,” he explained. “In terms of the weekend, it will be very similar to a normal FP2 for them.”
“I think with the current plan we have found a good solution for the moment. Obviously it is the first time we have used this format, so we have to check if it works or not,” he added.
“But the idea is to keep this type of testing in the future. So when we are in the European season, after some races, on Tuesday, Wednesday, we could count on the help of some teams to test our tyres.”
Although the idea of adjusting the length of FP2, Isola admitted that there were still issues to discuss with the teams, such as engine mileage.
“It is clear that we also have to talk about the mileage of the power units, because we cannot increase their mileage compared to what their plans are and so on,” he said.
“It’s complicated, because every time you find a solution you also find problems. The idea of using FP2 is a good one: you don’t force the teams to move to a different place and you don’t force them to stay longer at a circuit.”
“But then you have to use the same car that you are using for the rest of the weekend, with the same engine, so the mileage is obviously an issue.
“Every time we have an idea, we have to discuss it for weeks to find a final solution that works for all parties,” concluded the Pirelli man .
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