Pirelli busy assessing 2012 tyres at Abu Dhabi test 15 Nov 2011
This week’s test at Yas Marina may have been designed to allow the teams to audition young drivers, but tyre supplier Pirelli will also use the three-day session in Abu Dhabi to trial a selection of prototype compounds that they hope to introduce in 2012.
The Italian manufacturer already supplied the teams with an experimental version of their soft compound to use during the practice sessions for last weekend’s 2011 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. And several other new compounds will be made available at this week’s young driver test.
“Now that the season is virtually over, we’re already well underway with our preparations for 2012,” explained Pirelli’s motorsport director Paul Hembery. “We ran some experimental tyres on Friday in Abu Dhabi, and we’ll also be running some new tyres in Brazil. Together with the information we accumulate during the young driver test, we’re gathering plenty of data in preparation for next year, where we will see a reduction in lap times between the compounds to hopefully make racing even closer.
“Although the young drivers don’t have the same experience as the regular drivers, this three-day test will be a good education for them. It’s also very important in terms of information-gathering, for both ourselves and the teams, as we aim to make the tyres an even more prominent feature of the action in 2012.”
Pirelli also revealed that the design of the tyres for next season has changed slightly, with tyres at the front and rear featuring squarer profiles in an effort to distribute wear more evenly. In terms of compound, there will be an entirely new selection, with only the super-soft tyre remaining the same.
Once enough data is collected, the tyre manufacturer plans to adjust the experimental compounds ahead of the first test of the 2012 season, which is expected to take place at the Spanish circuit of Jerez from February 7-9.
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