A modified Ferrari SF15-T will undertake the first track tests of Pirelli’s 2017-specification Formula 1 tires.
There will be two days of testing from 1-2 August at Fiorano, which will be artificially dampened in order to carry out tests with Cinturato intermediate and full wet tires.
Then, from 3-4 August, Red Bull will test the new P Zero slick tires at Mugello. In September, Mercedes will field at Paul Ricard the third of the modified 2015 cars (after Ferrari and Red Bull), which will allow Pirelli’s test and development program agreed with the teams and the FIA to be completed.
The three teams testing will be obliged to share all the data gathered during these tests with the other teams for reasons of sporting equity.
PROGRAM:
In total, the testing and development of the 2017 tires will take place over 10 sessions for a total of 24 days. Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes will be supplying the modified 2015 cars to a precise specification established by the FIA that simulates the performance anticipated for next year, principally including more downforce, a wider track and bigger tires. Each team will undertake testing equivalent to seven days per car, as per the attached schedule, sharing the development program equally. The three teams will then take to the track for a collective validation test in Abu Dhabi on 29 November, two days after the final grand prix of the season.
CIRCUITS:
Five circuits will host the Pirelli development program. As well as Fiorano, Mugello, Paul Ricard and Abu Dhabi, there will be an additional test at Barcelona in October.
NEW SIZES:
The front tire grows in size by 60mm, going from 245 to 305mm. The rear tire is 80mm bigger, going from 325 to 405mm. In total, the 2017 tires will be 25% wider than the current specification: this applies to both the intermediates and full wets.
The full range of sizes for the slick tires is:
• 305/670-13 at the front
• 405/670-13 at the back.
The Cinturato intermediates will have a diameter of 675mm while the Cinturato full wets will have a diameter of 680mm. The wheel rim size remains unaltered at 13 inches.
REGULATIONS:
The teams and the FIA have agreed with Pirelli on the need for a change to the sporting regulations regarding tire testing this year. tire testing with 2012, 2013 or 2014-specification cars, using the current tire size but with prototype materials and structures for 2017, has been taking place since May.
This program, which began with Ferrari at Fiorano in May and continued in June with Red Bull at Paul Ricard, will carry on at the following venues:
12-13 July* Silverstone Mercedes slicks
16 July Fiorano Ferrari intermediates and full wets
18-19 July Vallelunga Red Bull slicks
*during the official in-season test that is happening at the same time with all the teams.
