Pirelli open to Formula 1 grip study

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Pirelli is open to the idea of rebalancing mechanical and aerodynamic grip in order to improve the racing in Formula 1, including bringing back wider tires. (Pictured: Jody Scheckter in the Ferrari 312-T4 of 1979.)

Williams driver Felipe Massa recently urged the sport to study the benefits of introducing wider tires while reducing downforce, in order to allow cars to follow each other more closely.

Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery said the tire supplier had studied introducing wider tires for this season, but the teams had decided against the move.

"That was one of the things we discussed last year when we first saw the new regulations – having less aero and we'll give you wider tires," Hembery said. "At the time, the teams didn't feel that was necessary and wanted us to keep the tire sizes the same so we weren't able to follow that. But we've always said we'll do what the sport wants.

"If they want us to go up to the old, super-wide tires, we'll do that; 15 inches, 20 inches – you tell us what you want and we'll have a go at it. But you've got to decide what you're trying to achieve."

Pirelli has been criticized for developing a range of tires that are too hard for this year's new cars, but Hembery said the need to construct a range of rubber that works across the full spectrum of circuits on the calendar meant compromises were inevitable.

"From a tire point of view, you have four compounds and in some cases you are compromised, in some cases you hit the sweet spot," he added. "But that variation probably adds some unpredictability to the races."