F1: Pirelli eyes tire info system for fans

Pirelli is working with Formula 1's commercial rights holder to develop a method that updates spectators and television viewers with a driver's tire strategy during grands prix.

A fifth tire compound is being introduced and teams will be allowed a certain level of freedom regarding tire choice across the weekend under new rules for 2016. Pirelli racing manager Mario Isola wants the potentially confusing implications to be as clear as possible to fans.

"We have all the data as we have a system which is integrated with FOM and sends the information to television and radio," he said. "We are working with FOM to give the information live during the races so that every spectator can understand what is happening. I think it's useful for the media also to know what is the situation and the strategy."

Each driver will still get 13 sets of tires but Pirelli will now choose two that must be used in the race, which could be differing compounds, and reserve one of the softest available for Q3. Of the 10 remaining sets, teams and drivers will make their choice of what they would like from the three available compounds.

Isola is hopeful the increase in teams' strategic options will spice up the show.

"I hope we are going to see different strategies and more interesting races," he said. "To do that, you need the information and you need to know which tires each driver has available.

"When they start the race, they normally have six sets available. When you have the pit stop, you cross the set which is used so you know exactly what that driver has left."

Originally on Autosport.com