Formula 1 drivers and teams are poised for their first experience of the finalised 2020 tyres, with Pirelli poised to bring its refined compound to Austin.
Pirelli has been carrying out tyre testing, as per the regulations, in order to hone its products for the 2020 campaign, which is set to be the final season to feature 13-inch tyres.
A final additional test was held at Barcelona at the start of October, with Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari), Esteban Ocon (Mercedes) and Alexander Albon (Red Bull) in action on behalf of Pirelli.
On Friday at the Circuit of the Americas each driver will have two sets of the Soft tyre – which will be the 2020-spec C4 compound – available for use.
“This of course is just an initial taste of the 2020 C4 Soft compound,” said Pirelli chief Mario Isola.
“Teams will get to test the full homologated range of next year’s tyres at the two-day test in December following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as usual.”
Pirelli is also continuing its 18-inch tyre tests in both Formula 1 and Formula 2, with the junior category set to make the switch for 2020, a year ahead of the senior championship.
McLaren will be in action at Circuit Paul Ricard on November 7-8 as the team gets its first experience of the new-specification tyres.
