Pirelli reveal wider, faster 2017 tyres

Formula One tyre suppliers Pirelli have presented their new tyres in 2017 size in Monte Carlo. As part of dramatic rule changes for next season, aimed at cutting lap times by around four seconds, tyres will be 25 percent wider than the current specification.

The front tyre, currently 245mm wide, will increase to 305mm, while the rear will grow from 325mm to 405mm. So the new sizes for slick tyres will be 305/670-13 at the front and 405/670-13 at the rear (the total diameter will go from the current 660mm to 670mm). Wheel rim diameter remains unchanged at 13 inches.

This is a significant technical change that will also have an effect on the balance and aesthetics of the cars that will compete next year.

Testing with tyres in the 2017 sizes, using cars modified to accommodate them, will start in early August, according to a programme that has been agreed with the participating teams.