Pirelli to test ‘more robust’ rear F1 tyre construction at Austrian GP

Pirelli came under intense scrutiny following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where Lance Stroll and Max Verstappen suffered unexpected high-speed tyre blowouts.

As a result, Pirelli conducted a thorough investigation where it found that there was “no production or quality defect on any of the tyres, nor was there any sign of fatigue or delamination.”

A new technical directive had been put in place for the French Grand Prix with revised operating parameters to ensure teams were running the tyres in the correct window in terms of pressures and temperatures.

For the second race at the Red Bull Ring, every driver will be given two sets of test tyres during practice.

Should the test prove to be successful, the new rear specification will be introduced from the British Grand Prix onwards, replacing the current specification.

A statement from Pirelli read: “Pirelli, in agreement with the FIA, Formula 1 and the teams, will test a new rear construction of tyre in free practice at the Austrian Grand Prix on Friday 2 July to evaluate its effectiveness to further improve robustness of the tyres. 

“This decision has been taken in addition to the recently issued technical directive and the latest starting parameters prescribed by Pirelli, in light of the fact that it is not currently possible to monitor running conditions in real-time. This will remain the case until next year, when standard Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors will be introduced across all teams.

“Next Friday, each driver will have two sets of these new tyres available for use during either free practice session. If the test is successful, the new rear specification will be introduced from the British Grand Prix onwards, replacing the current specification. The new rear construction incorporates some elements that have been developed for use in the latest 18-inch Formula 1 tyres from 2022.

“With this new structure, Pirelli provides a tyre that can guarantee even greater levels of integrity under the extreme conditions that can be generated by the current cars.”