Pirelli set to kick off F1 tyre testing
Pirelli is to begin testing its new Formula 1 tyres ahead of its return to the sport in 2011 at Mugello tomorrow, AUTOSPORT has learned
The Italian manufacturer will replace Bridgestone as Formula 1's sole tyre supplier from next season, and has engaged Toyota Motorsport to run a 2009-specification Toyota TF109 for its test programme.
Although Toyota and Pirelli are at Mugello today, it is understood that this is only an installation day and that the test will be held over two days on Tuesday and Wednesday. Mercedes GP reserve driver Nick Heidfeld is expected to drive.
Toyota is providing the operational platform for the test programme, and will do preliminary analysis of the data before passing it onto Pirelli. However, its deal with the Italian tyre manufacturer is only to run the car, and tyre development will be spearheded by Pirelli itself.
The TF109 chassis that Pirelli is using is believed never to have raced, but was used during pre-season testing in 2009. It will run a late-season aerodynamic package.
This deal will continue with further tests at venues such as Paul Ricard.
AUTOSPORT understands that Pirelli is using a 2009 Toyota after a recommendation from the Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA), which saw the TF109 as the only car available that was both relevant to current F1 machinery and not affiliated with any current team.
Be part of the Autosport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
Archive: When the French GP almost produced F1's greatest shock
Autosport 70: How Scheckter instigated Silverstone's most famous F1 incident
Why Haas's shocking 2019 should have F1 worried
How real-time scrutineering ensures fair and consistent competition in motorsport
How MotoGP brakes work: Secrets of stopping a 220mph bike
Hyundai enacts contingency plan after WRC Kenya fuel issue
Vanwall working on 2025 WEC comeback with heavily-revised Hypercar
Why F1 2026 worst case fears could be key to new rules success
How the F1 driver market situation sits for each team with 2025 openings
What's been going wrong for Leclerc in F1's tiny margins qualifying game
What the Chinese GP's highlights reveal about its first F1 race for five years
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments