Pirelli's new F1 tires on pre-season test

ERJ staff report (BC)

Milan – Formula One racing has begun 2014 with action at Jerez in Spain this week, for the first of three four-day pre-season tests (with the following two tests scheduled for Bahrain, 19-22 February and 27 February-2 March).

This season’s cars feature 1.6 litre turbocharged engines and multiple energy recovery systems; they will have to operate within a drastically reduced fuel allocation and revised aerodynamic rules.

Pirelli has developed a new tire range to cater for different driving dynamics using simulation technology and data supplied by teams, as well as real on-track testing results.

All the 2014 slick tyres have a new construction and new compounds, with each rear tire now weighing 250g more and each front tyre 200g more than last year. The full wet tyre has a new rear tread pattern in order to reduce aquaplaning by increasing how much water can be dispersed at full speed – up to 65 litres per second from 60 litres per second previously.

The front tyres have a new profile, while the rear profile remains largely unaltered. The new compounds are generally slightly harder than their 2013 equivalents to optimise grip.

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Press releasefrom Pirelli