Pirelli announces tyre allocations for first four 2014 F1 races
Pirelli has announced tyre allocations for the first four 2014 Formula 1 races, with just a single 'step' gap between the compounds used
The Italian firm is confident its choices will result in two or three-stop grands prix in Australia, Malaysia, Bahrain and China.
Teams will get medium and soft tyres for Melbourne, Sakhir and Shanghai, with hards and mediums for Sepang.
A Pirelli statement said that although there was on paper a smaller difference between tyre types at each grand prix than under its usual 2013 practice of a 'two step' gap between compounds, pre-season testing had suggested the 2014 options were sufficiently distinct from each other.
"The results of the final test showed an increased performance gap between the hard and the medium compound, and the medium and the soft compound," said the statement.
"This will give plenty of scope for the teams to formulate interesting strategies to boost their race prospects."
Pirelli motorsport chief Paul Hembery added that the 2014 tyres had proved more durable than last year's to date.
"The conclusion we can draw so far is that the 2014 tyres are more consistent and wear less than their predecessors, without compromising performance," he said.
"We're also meeting another of our objectives with one more step towards the reduction of 'marbles' on the track."
Previous article
Ferrari: Mercedes and Williams better prepared for 2014 F1 start
Next article
Why 2014 will define Vettel's career
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
Starting Grid for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix
F1 Fast Facts: Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
The back-bedroom world-beater that began a new F1 era
The first in a line of world beaters was designed in a back bedroom and then constructed in a shed. STUART CODLING recalls the Tyrrell 001
The clues Hamilton’s F1 contract afterthought gives to his future
The Formula 1 world reacted with surprise when it learned Lewis Hamilton’s long-awaited new Mercedes deal guarantees his presence on the grid only until the end of 2021. Both parties claimed publicly they were happy with the arrangement but, asks MARK GALLAGHER, is there more to it than that?
How a harshly ejected Red Bull star has been hooked by racing again
Driver-turned-DJ Jaime Alguersuari lost his love for motorsport when he was booted out of Formula 1 just as he was starting to polish his rough edges. Having drifted from category to category then turned his back on racing altogether in 2015, he’s come full circle and is planning a return in karts for fun
Why Mercedes isn't confident it's really ahead of Red Bull at Imola
While Mercedes struck back against Red Bull by topping the times at Imola on Friday ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the overall picture remains incredibly close. Despite having a possible edge this weekend, the reigning Formula 1 world champion squad is not taking anything for granted...
What Mercedes must do to keep its F1 title challenge on track
Mercedes may find itself leading the drivers' and constructors' standings after Lewis Hamilton's victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix, but it is well-aware that it came against the odds, with Red Bull clearly ahead on pace. Here's what the Brackley team must do to avoid its crown slipping
Why Tsunoda can become Japan’s greatest F1 talent
While Japan's fever for motor racing is well-documented, the country has yet to produce a Formula 1 superstar – but that could be about to change, says BEN EDWARDS
Why the demise of F1's hypocritical spending habit is cause for celebration
For too long, F1's richest teams have justified being able to spend as much as they want because that's the way they've always conducted their business. STUART CODLING says that's no reason not to kick a bad habit
The double whammy that is defining Vettel’s F1 fate
It's been a tough start to Sebastian Vettel's Aston Martin F1 career, with a lack of pre-season testing mileage followed by an incident-packed Bahrain GP. But two key underlying factors mean a turnaround is not guaranteed
