Pirelli set for ´vital´ meeting over F1 tyres

Formula One tyre supplier Pirelli announced they will hold a “vital” meeting with key stakeholders to discuss the sports’ plans from 2017 onward.

F1 is planning a shake-up of their rules to implement as of next year in a bid to produce faster and more aggressive racing.

Over recent years Pirelli have produced tyres to be quick-wearing, meaning drivers and teams have had to carefully manage their life-span over the course of a weekend.

This in turn has seen some drivers demand a longer-lasting tyre which they can use flat out from start to finish, without having to worry about wear or the fear of a tyre failure.

Pirelli confirmed a meeting has been scheduled in Milan next week to determine what they will produce from next year onwards, admitting they have concerns they may not be able to cope with the proposal.

“A meeting will be held at Pirelli’s Milan headquarters next week in which key Formula One stakeholders will take part,” a Pirelli statement read.

“The meeting will be to discuss target tyre performance guidelines in the light of the 2017 regulations.

“Pirelli sees this meeting as being of vital importance in order to further consolidate the close collaboration that got underway last year with the FIA, FOM, and the drivers.

“Of the more than 250 championships in which Pirelli takes part worldwide, Formula One is the biggest challenge. In 2017 the technical aspects will become even more complex, so Pirelli is even more convinced of the need to carry out more on-track testing.

“This is a factor that has been extremely limited in recent years, despite the important evolution of the cars and subsequent increase in performance.

“All these are vital steps towards tyre development that takes into account the future evolution of the cars and added performance, which will be particularly notable in 2017.

“This will allow an even more effective use of the advanced technology that makes Pirelli the world leader in performance tyres.”