Pirelli, the tyre manufacturer for Formula 1, is proposing a change in the type of tyre used during wet conditions. This discussion was ignited after the delayed commencement of the Saturday sprint event at Spa due to rainfall. When the race finally started, cars had to use full wet tyres under the safety car regulations, before being allowed to proceed.
Many cars immediately switched to intermediate tyres, and the rest made the transition at the completion of the first lap. The only factors preventing all cars from immediately making the switch were the challenges of double stacking and pit lane traffic.
Post-race, drivers highlighted that the full wet tyre is largely ineffective, as George Russell, the GPDA director, described. They indicated that if the rain was heavy enough to warrant the use of wet tyres, visibility issues would inhibit racing at top speeds.
Pirelli responded to these concerns by revisiting an old proposal to replace full wet tyres with a single “super intermediate” tyre that could handle all wet conditions. This move would simplify the transition from safety car laps to racing.
During its tenure in Formula 1, Pirelli has committed significant resources to improving both full wet and intermediate tyres. They recently achieved a breakthrough with the introduction of blanket-free wet tyres, which will be expanded to include intermediate tyres in 2024.
According to Mario Isola, Pirelli F1 boss, the performance of the wet tyre and visibility are the two main problems. Despite improvements in tyre performance, Isola acknowledged that more work needs to be done to ensure seamless transitioning between intermediate and wet tyres.
One major challenge Pirelli faces is that tyre testing relies on artificially wet tracks, which differ from real-world conditions. A recent rainy test with Aston Martin and McLaren at Spa provided a valuable opportunity to gather data and test experimental tyres.
The ongoing problem of visibility is an issue that might not be resolved soon, making the proposal of a single wet tyre more viable. If future plans involve stopping races due to heavy rainfall and visibility issues, Isola believes developing a “super intermediate” tyre that covers a range of conditions from visibility limits to dry conditions would be the best solution.
However, if efforts are made to reduce spray and allow racing in full wet conditions, the current intermediate tyre and the new blanket-free intermediate should be kept while improving the full wet tyre.
Isola urges the FIA, F1, teams, and drivers to collectively decide on the future direction of wet tyre development. There are limitations to how much can be tested, and lack of clear direction can risk missing the desired targets.
If the single wet tyre proposal gets approved, it won’t be ready for the 2024 season, but could potentially be introduced later in the season, provided all parties agree, and regulations are amended, similar to the introduction of blanket-free wets.
Nonetheless, in-season changes might face opposition as they could significantly impact regulations. If the 2024 window is missed, the proposal will likely be postponed to 2025, with uncertainty around whether Pirelli or challenger Bridgestone will secure the tyre supply contract.
Isola suggested that the new tyre could take two months to develop and test, but the sustainability aspect of a single wet weather tyre could be beneficial. He proposed that instead of supplying separate sets of intermediate and wet tyres, providing seven sets of the same tyre for use at any time could be more sustainable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Super Intermediate Tyre
Why is Pirelli proposing a “super intermediate” F1 tyre?
Pirelli is advocating for a “super intermediate” F1 tyre following feedback from drivers that full wet tyres are ineffective in heavy rain. They believe that the use of a single tyre capable of handling all wet conditions would simplify the transition from safety car laps to racing.
What are the two main issues with the current wet tyres as per Pirelli F1 boss, Mario Isola?
The two main issues highlighted by Mario Isola are the performance of the wet tyre and visibility during heavy rain. Despite improvements in the tyre’s performance, the transition between intermediate and wet tyres is not seamless. Visibility problems due to heavy rain often inhibit racing at top speeds.
When could the proposed “super intermediate” tyre be introduced?
If the single wet tyre proposal gets approved, it will not be ready for the start of the 2024 season. However, it could potentially be introduced later in the season if all parties agree and regulations are amended to allow it.
How could a single wet weather tyre contribute to sustainability?
A single wet weather tyre could enhance sustainability by reducing the number of tyre sets provided. Instead of supplying separate sets of intermediate and wet tyres, seven sets of the same tyre could be provided for use at any time during the race weekend.
What is the potential obstacle to the introduction of the “super intermediate” tyre?
One potential obstacle could be resistance to in-season changes, as they could significantly impact regulations. If the 2024 window is missed, the proposal will likely be postponed to 2025, with uncertainty around who will secure the tyre supply contract, incumbent Pirelli or challenger Bridgestone.
More about Super Intermediate Tyre
- Pirelli’s Official Website
- Formula 1 Racing Official Website
- History of Wet Tyre Development in F1
- F1 Tyre Regulations