Pirelli’s extensive tyre testing programme for Formula 1’s switch to 18-inch wheel rims in 2022 has been completed.
Alpine and Daniil Kvyat concluded the final day of testing for the new compounds and wheel sizes on a wet track at Paul Ricard on Monday.
In addition to adjusting from the 13-inch wheels to low-profile tyres, Pirelli has redesigned the structure of the tyres and the compounds themselves.
A 28-day testing programme has been completed in 2021 on top of eight days across 2019 and 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic delayed Pirelli’s preparations.
Every team except Williams participated in the testing programme with mule cars built to simulate the downforce levels of the new 2022 cars, while 15 regular season drivers drove at some point.
Pirelli developed 70 prototype tyres and 30 physical specifications that were tested on-track in dry and wet conditions.
It claims 4267 laps were completed in total across tests at Jerez, Bahrain, Imola, Barcelona, Paul Ricard, Red Bull Ring, Silverstone, the Hungaroring and Magny-Cours.
Pirelli will submit its tyre specifications to the FIA and will give the new, 18-inch tyes to the teams to trial in the test that is planned following the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
“Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic meant that we had to revise our test programme entirely, cancelling on-track testing to concentrate on simulation as well as virtual development and modelling,” said Pirelli F1 boss Mario Isola.
“This system of virtual screening helped us optimise the number of physical prototypes produced and return to on-track testing for 28 days throughout 2021.
“We started off the development process with the profile, before moving onto the base construction, and finally homing in on the five compounds that we will homologate for next year.
“The results obtained up to now have been arrived at with the input of the drivers currently competing in the championship, a vital aspect for us, albeit using mule cars.
“Next year, we will still have some test days at our disposal, which will allow us to fine-tune the 2022 tyre with the new cars if needed.”
