Pirelli stays committed to F1 tyre blanket development despite sport’s plans to phase them out

Pirelli continue testing despite F1’s pending decision on tyre blankets

Pirelli stays committed to F1 tyre blanket development despite sport’s plans to phase them out

F1 tyre blankets (Credits: Autosports)

Mercedes and Ferrari took a crucial Pirelli test without tire blankets in Barcelona this week. Pirelli head of motorsport Mario Isola lauded the importance of these Pirelli tests, as both teams were appointed to select an F1 tire compound for the 2024 season.

With Formula One’s attempt to make the sport more sustainable, F1 plans to stop the usage of tire blankets from 2024. F1 has already introduced sustainable fuels and electric motors to be more eco-friendly. “All the running took place without using tyre blankets,” said Mario Isola. “We verified a few interesting things on track,” he continued.

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Mario Isola said the main goal is to remove electric blankets to make a more sustainable approach. “A cold tire still needs a few corners to warm up and find grip, but the feeling doesn’t have to be that of being on the ice. We are therefore trying to design compounds with a wider working range,” he explained.

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He elaborated on how important it is to carry out these tests on different tracks. “The tests carried out so far tell us that, after 2-3 corners, you can find grip, but we have to do tests on different tracks and at different temperatures since each one has a different degree of severity,” Isola concluded.

The Barcelona tests were important because Pirelli now only has one difficulty after Silverstone with Red Bull before the FIA calls on eliminating tire blankets in 2024. The ruling states that the electric blankets will continue for the next year. The decision will be made by the FIA on 31st July.

Also read: Carlos Sainz backs Ferrari despite dismissal start to 2023 season, claims the team is moving in the ‘right direction’

Pirelli to face competition after Bridgestone submits bid for F1’s tire supplier

Ferrari testing the blanket-less tires at Barcelona; (Image credit: F1i.com)

Bridgestone aims to re-enter Formula One as a tire supplier and challenge Pirelli for the 2025-2026 contract. Pirelli, the exclusive tire supplier for Formula One since 2011, will conclude its contract with the sport by the end of 2024. Bridgestone has now submitted a bid to become the tire provider for Formula One starting from the 2025 season.

The FIA initiated the tender process for Formula One’s official supply contract from 2025 to 2027 earlier this year, with the possibility of extending the deal until 2028. Interested parties were required to submit their tenders by the deadline of May 15th to be considered as Formula One’s official tire partner.

On June 16th, Formula One will announce the list of accepted tenders, after which discussions will commence with Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder of Formula One. Bridgestone’s bid suggests their comeback in Formula One and their willingness to compete against Pirelli.

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