Pirelli to kick off 2017 wider F1 tyre testing next week

Wider F1 tyres will hit the track in anger for the first time next week, when Ferrari conducts the first in a series of tests aimed at proving the ...

Wider F1 tyres will hit the track in anger for the first time next week, when Ferrari conducts the first in a series of tests aimed at proving the tyres for the new 2017 regulations.

As part of the drive to increase grip and lap times for next season, the new wider front tyre will increase from 245mm to 305mm, while the rear will push out from 325mm up to 405mm.

The test programme begins in Fiorano on August 1-2 with a modified 2015 Ferrari F1 car, with an artificially dampened race track to evaluate the wet and intermediate tyres, before Red Bull picks up the baton at Mugello on August 3-4. Ferrari will run them again at Barcelona on 6-7 September before Mercedes gets in on the act with three consecutive tests at Paul Ricard and Barcelona. The full schedule is below - Click to enlarge.

The three teams testing will be obliged to share all the data gathered during these tests with the other teams for reasons of sporting equity.

Pirelli's Mario Isola is confident no team will gain an advantage from the testing programme, " The teams that are not going to test will receive detailed reports, will receive all driver comments, all our analysis and some models we will develop in the next months. We will provide the same information," he told reporters in Silverstone.

"Don't forget the tests are blind for the teams that are testing. They know they are testing tyres. They don't know if it is base, if it is a prototype, nor what is in in the prototype - if it is a different compound and construction. They don't know anything.

Pirelli says that in total, the testing and development of the 2017 tyres will take place over 10 sessions for a total of 24 days. Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes will be supplying the modified 2015 cars to a precise specification established by the FIA that simulates the performance anticipated for next year, principally including more downforce, a wider track and bigger tyres.

"Each team will undertake testing equivalent to seven days per car, as per the attached schedule, sharing the development programme equally.

"The three teams will then take to the track for a collective validation test in Abu Dhabi on 29 November, two days after the final grand prix of the season," said Pirelli.

The drivers spoke about their hopes for the 2017 tyres in the Thursday press conference in Hockenheim, with most emphasising that the key was to be able to push harder in the races, especially the early stages when the car is heavy with fuel, without needing to 'manage' them, as they dpi currently. The early stages of the Hungarian Grand Prix were a good example of that, with Max Verstappen complaining that he was having to driver like his grandmother.