Formula 1 teams are set to test a new Pirelli rear tyre in practice at this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix.
The new tyre is in response to the failures suffered by Lance Stroll and Max Verstappen during the race in Azerbaijan, when both drivers hit the barrier at high speed on the main straight.
After an investigation, Pirelli absolved themselves of blame for the punctures, instead claiming they were caused by how Aston Martin and Red Bull ran the tyres.
New guidelines and procedures were introduced at the French GP as a result, but in an effort to completely prevent a repeat of the failures, the Italian supplier will give teams two sets of the new rear tyres to be trialled at the Red Bull Ring.
“Pirelli, in agreement with the FIA, Formula 1 and the teams, will test a new rear construction of tyre in free practice at the Austrian Grand Prix on Friday 2 July to evaluate its effectiveness to further improve robustness of the tyres,” a statement read.
“This decision has been taken in addition to the recently issued technical directive and the latest starting parameters prescribed by Pirelli, in light of the fact that it is not currently possible to monitor running conditions in real-time. This will remain the case until next year, when standard Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors will be introduced across all teams.
“The new rear construction incorporates some elements that have been developed for use in the latest 18-inch Formula 1 tyres from 2022,” it was noted.
“With this new structure, Pirelli provides a tyre that can guarantee even greater levels of integrity under the extreme conditions that can be generated by the current cars.”
If the new tyres are deemed a success, they will be introduced at the British Grand Prix in two weeks time.
