It’s something that Pirelli has been promoting ever since their return to Formula 1 in 2011, and it’s now time their wishes are starting to come true, even if the wheels on this motion are only just beginning to turn.
Pirelli’s media office released a statement on Friday to announce to the world their intent to announce new 18-inch tyres for Formula 1, ahead of the Silverstone test following the British Grand Prix.
The interesting part though, was that the tyre is apparently ready to run, according to Pirelli.
“This is a fully functional tyre, capable of completing demonstration runs around Silverstone during the forthcoming in-season test,” the statement said.
According to the release, Lotus is scheduled to test out the one-off 18-inch Pirelli tyres during the test at Silverstone.
Over recent years, there has been more outcry from some manufacturers that technology needs to be relevant to road cars, and it is a sentiment shared by Pirelli.
“Larger wheel and tyre sizes reflect modern market trends; with the adoption of a larger size invariably leading to even greater technology transfer between Formula One tyres and road car tyres.”
Pirelli’s motorsport director Paul Hembrey added that they don’t want to be the ones to instigate change in Formula 1, but that their role is to “help teams and drivers make the most out of the equipment, regulations and resources they have at their disposal – whatever they decide that framework is going to be.”
Without competition in Formula 1 for Pirelli, unlike the tyre wars we have seen in the past, Pirelli would still want to have some sort of a technical challenge in producing tyres for Formula 1.
“A new 18-inch tyre would not be without its technical challenges to produce, although the pay-off would be increased rigidity through having less flexibility in the sidewalls,” Pirelli’s statement said.
“Nonetheless, this necessary movement forms an important part of the current Formula One car’s suspension and damping.”
And for those who think Formula 1 is all about advertising space and money these days, Pirelli had that area sorted too.
“A smaller sidewall would also inevitably lead to drastically reduced branding space,” the statement added.
“In spite of this, Pirelli is completely ready and capable to move ahead with development of such a tyre should the teams wish for it to happen.”
Formula E will be running 18-inch tyres in their first season, to be provided by Michelin, however it is a one-make series to begin with, meaning that other car manufacturers don’t have the opportunity to use them in an open-wheel motorsport environment.
With Formula 1 and Pirelli starting to set the wheels in motion for an 18-inch tyre change, which might take just that little bit longer than three seconds, we might see more open-wheel categories also making the jump to larger wheels sooner, rather than later.
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