Formula One’s official tyre supplier, Pirelli, are hoping to meet with the teams at the upcoming British Grand Prix in a fortnight’s time to present a raft of changes for the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
First of all, an extra set of intermediates has been agreed in principal if the first two practice sessions are wet, to ensure the teams get as much running as possible, rather than sitting it out.
“We [Pirelli] think for the upcoming season that their are a few weaknesses that need fixing,” Pirelli’s motorsport director Paul Hembery told Auto und Motor Sport. “If the first two free practice sessions take place in wet conditions, then we probably need an additional set of intermediates for the rest of the weekend. We have agreed that this should be included in the regulations for next year.”
Meanwhile, to avoid drivers saving tyres in qualifying, Hembery believes any driver which has made it through to Q3, but opts not to set a time, should start the race on their Q2 tyres.
“You should start on the tyres with which they qualified in Q2 with,” he added. This regulation has again been agreed in principal and will be presented to the team World Motor Sport Council for ratification.
The Briton also believes further changes are needed in the near-future, particularly with the changes to be introduced in 2013 which will see less aerodynamical grip. To stop the laptimes from increasing, Pirelli will aim for quicker tyres and more compounds at each race, giving the teams a choice.
“Aerodynamics are reduced [in 2013] so we must give the teams a little boost in lap time.
“Maybe we increase the number of different tires. Maybe we bring three compounds to a race. Maybe with a total of six blends to choose from. I do not know yet. There are lots of ideas.”
Also on the table is a special qualifying tyre which is super-fast, but will only last for one single flying lap.
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