Pirelli reveal images of concept 18-inch F1® tyres

Formula One tyre suppliers Pirelli have released digital renderings of what their prototype 18-inch tyres will look like, ahead of testing them at Silverstone on Wednesday.

The Italian manufacturer has developed the low profile tyres, which will be trialled by Lotus on their 2014 car, to provoke debate about whether such rubber should be used in F1 racing in the future.

It has been suggested that running with larger wheels and tyres would lead to greater technology transfer between F1 tyres and road car rubber.

However, Pirelli say they will only progress with the initiative if there is a genuine desire from F1 racing's various stakeholders to follow such a direction.