Pirelli will test a stronger version of its current tyres during Friday practice for the Belgian Grand Prix, as it looks to avoid a repeat of the failures which occured during the last race in Belgium and more recently Austria earlier this year.
Nico Rosberg suffered a high-speed failure during practice last year whilst Sebastian Vettel's tyre failed on the exit of Raidillon during the race. Both were blamed on debris.
Meanwhile in Austria earlier this year, several drivers suffered punctures including Daniil Kvyat during practice and Vettel, again during the race. They too were blamed on debris and aggressive kerbs.
As Pirelli looks to limit the chances of a repeat failure, they could toughen the tyres for the remainder of the season and will therefore test a stronger experimental tyre on Friday, with each driver having two sets of the unmarked tyres at their disposal.
Pirelli say the stronger sidewall will "further protect the tyre from possible consequences generated by accidental multiple impacts on kerbs or other external bodies."
Discussion about this post