Pirelli boss promises more flat-out corners in F1

Pirelli Motorsport boss Paul Hembery is confident that F1 fans can expect more flat-out corners this year thanks to the new-for-2017-spec tire.

Speaking at the 2017 Pirelli Motorsport presentation in Turin, Italy, Hembery said that simulation data, plus what has been gleaned from multiple tests on the new tires mated to 2015-spec cars, shows that corner speeds can be as much as 25mph faster with up to 1G of additional lateral grip. Despite these predictions, Hembery cautioned that the true extent of the new tire's performance won't be revealed until teams take to the Albert Park track for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 24-26.

"Up to now we only know what's capable based on our simulations and the testing done so far with the mule cars," says Hembery. "The big question mark is what 2017-spec aero will produce in terms of downforce. Until we get to Australia, we won't really know the full extent of the effect that drag, and critically, tire temps as dictated by the downforce levels will have on real performance."

While teams will test in Barcelona, Spain later this month, history has shown pre-season testing to be a poor indicator of true form with teams running a wide variety of set ups.

Both front and rear tires are now 25 percent wider than last year's specification. Fronts have gone from 245mm (9.6 inches) to 305mm (12 inches) while the rears have increased from 325mm (12.8 inches) to 405mm (15.9 inches). Rim size remains as it has been for many years at 13 inches in diameter.

In addition to higher cornering speeds, fewer pit stops are expected since tires will degrade more slowly across a wider operating temperature window. Braking distance will also be shorter. The effect of the new tires on lap times, which are expected to drop between three and five seconds over 2016 lap times, will vary based on the circuit. Several drivers who have tested the new tires in simulators think that circuits like Spa-Francorchamps, Suzuka and Silverstone – which are blessed with several high-speed corners – should see the most dramatic reduction in lap times.

"More grip, brake later, higher corner speed equals happy drivers," said McLaren team principal Eric Boullier, who attended the presentation.

Hembery summarized the magnitude of the 2017 tire changes as among the most notable changes in the history of F1.

"All of the data that any team have to this point can be thrown out the window," he said. "So it's a huge change, and that allows a lot of potential for any team to find an advantage that will take them to front. There are four of five teams that believe they have that chance. I'll be shocked if there isn't a surprise from some of the teams that we normally wouldn't expect."