Pirelli to offer teams with 2013 development tyres at Brazil

Pirelli have announced they will offer the teams with a prototype of the 2013 tyres for the opening two practice sessions at this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix, which will see either Sebastian Vettel or Fernando Alonso be crowned a triple World Champion. Next year’s Pirelli tyres will feature different characteristics to this year’s compounds.

Pirelli’s controversial P Zero and Cinturato tyres have greatly effected the results this season, and have kept the teams perplexed for the majority of the year. As the season has progressed, the teams have gradually managed to work with the tyres, with normality being resumed as Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull enjoyed a resurgence in the latter half of the season. Pirelli aim to continue making life difficult for the teams and drivers next season, with the tyres set to once again change over the winter period.

As the teams and drivers prepare for this weekend’s grand finale around Sao Paulo’s Interlagos circuit, Pirelli have decided to offer the teams with a prototype of the 2013 tyre for the teams to test during the opening two practice sessions on Friday. With the compounds and construction of the tyres once again set to alter, the teams and drivers will understandably be eager to begin working with the new tyres.

“We’ll be bringing some of our 2013 prototype tyres to Brazil in order for the teams to get a taste of them during free practice.” Explained Pirelli’s motor sport director, Paul Hembery. “With no testing until February otherwise, this will be an extremely valuable opportunity for them to see what our new tyres are like as they finalize their 2013 cars – so let’s hope that it doesn’t rain on Friday!

“Both the compounds and construction will be different, which means that the characteristics of the new tyres will be altered, with a wider working range and some compounds that are slightly more aggressive. We’ve yet to finalize where exactly all the compounds will sit in relation to each other, which is why we are calling the tyre to be used in Brazil a ‘prototype’ rather than giving it a specific nomination, but it will be very representative of our general design philosophy next year.”

With rain forecast for the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend, Pirelli will be hoping Friday’s two practice sessions remain dry to allow the drivers to test the new prototype compounds. This past season has been greatly effect by the Pirelli tyres, and it seems next year will also be centered around the tyres as the teams and drivers strive gain as much knowledge as possible ahead of the new season.

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