Romain Grosjean says he is unconvinced that Pirelli has made a step forward with its 2020 tyres, in the wake of carrying out testing for Haas on Tuesday.
Formula 1 is holding its traditional two-day post-season tyre test at the Yas Marina Circuit, in which all 10 teams are present to evaluate Pirelli’s current and future rubber.
Formula 1 drivers were largely negative of the 2020-spec C4 compound that was trialled in Austin, though Pirelli attributed some of the issues down to unseasonably cold weather conditions.
But after completing 146 laps on Tuesday Haas driver Grosjean, who was the only regular 2019 driver made available to the media, was not overwhelmingly encouraged by next year’s proposed tyres.
“They’re different,” said Grosjean on the 2020 tyres.
“There are some positives, there are some negatives. It’s early days. Is it a big change and what everyone would like to have? No.
“Again we need to look at how we’ve been running the cars and make sure we’re on the maximum of everything.
“If you ask me if I’m very happy with the new tyres and [whether] this is going to solve some of the problems, [such as] thermal degradation and sensitivity to following the other cars, I have to tell the truth and say no it’s not going to change that problem fully.”
Formula 1 teams have previously indicated that they would retain using the 2019-spec tyres if a majority feel that the 2020 versions are not an improvement.
“It shouldn’t be really a question, should it? So yeah, that’s where we are,” said Grosjean.
“If you ask me right now I don’t know [which tyres are best]. Depending on the track I’d tell you one or the other.
“After one year of development you would like to be saying I’m going to race the 2020 no question.”
When asked by Motorsport Week whether the situation was frustrating for drivers Grosjean smiled and quipped: “It’s been nine seasons. We’re used to it.”
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